Products


The link between digitalisation and maintaining food safety


The food industry is the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, with around 12,000 businesses. But despite this, the industry is falling behind others when it comes to adopting advanced technology. Food safety has never been more critical and implementing change to processes can secure this.


In this article, David Sarhok, Account Manager Europe for food and beverage processing and equipment at industrial technology company Watlow, shares the importance of digitalisation in maintaining food safety. Food safety has never been subject to more scrutiny than now. According to


the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 600 million people fall ill each year after eating contaminated food. In the UK, contamination and allergen issues are the biggest cause of food recalls, showing a lot still needs to be done to improve around maintaining food safety.


So, how can manufacturers ensure they follow best practices in ensuring our food is safe?


Managing risks


If we look at the production of processed food products on a large commercial scale, there is generally good practice in most factories. The food and beverage industry has been slower to adopt a formal regulatory framework than industries such as pharmaceuticals, for example. If we look at global trends, the tendency is to hold suppliers responsible for all aspects of the supply chain, in the case of ‘from farm to fork’. Even the best-managed factory depends on the quality of its raw materials. But sometimes processes can be interfered with, making vigilance along the supply chain as important as inside the processing plant.


Keeping ahead of audits


Food safety management systems are multifaceted, making them complex. They will incorporate everything from hygiene and plant organisation through to maintaining records of production parameters and equipment calibration, as well as the traceability of batches in case a product is recalled. As a result, facilities will obtain a huge quantity of data each week. But for a long time, the industry has relied on manual ways of data logging and monitoring, usually involving paper. Yet, the experience of other regulated industries is that however attractive paper might seem, digital records will always come out on top. Particularly in the case of audits by the governing regulator.


Digitalising records


Keeping paper records onsite without any possibility of backup is problematic in any case. For example, documents can be falsified, particularly if operators at various process steps record temperature readings in handwriting. The solution is the digitisation of data, as well as the automated recording of process data around critical control points. Digitised data is easily transmitted from place to place and may be backed up without compromising integrity. It also creates a ‘digital thread’ running from ‘farm to fork’ that provides suppliers with instant access to critical data for audit and for internal quality check tests. Producers seeking to implement digital data logging can opt for a system like the F4T® temperature controller, which has data logging built in. With these options, users can record pre-set data, cutting down on setup time and hassle. Watlow’s tools also include a list of common setups to help producers find the best way to log data that fits their needs, making implementation as easy as possible.


www.watlow.com 44 November 2024 www.electronicsworld.co.uk


The complete range of connectors from Selwyn Electronics….


As a specialist supplier of connectors and cable assemblies for over 30 years, and with particular emphasis on engineering support, Selwyn Electronics has always kept up to date with market trends and new technologies.


The Selwyn portfolio includes: • Extensive range of Waterproof connector • Full range of ODU connectors • Cable Assembly in UK and China


• PCB and cable mounted RF connectors • BGA Sockets and adaptors • Circular connectors


So, if you are looking for a reliable and knowledgeable connector supplier for a new product design you are working on, or if you are looking to save costs on a product that is already being manufactured, then Selwyn is the company worth contacting. Their friendly sales staff can help with technical information, samples and prices, and a Sales Engineer can visit if preferred.


www.selwyn.co.uk


METCASE’s New Universal Carry Handles For Portable Electronic Enclosures METCASE is raising the bar with a new range of universal tilt/swivel carry handles for fitting to any customer-specified metal electronic enclosures.


These ergonomic carry handles double as desk stands. They can be adjusted in 30° increments, enabling the device to be positioned at the perfect angle for viewing and operation.


Ordering the handle kit requires the customer to specify two parts. Firstly, there is a side arm kit which includes two diecast zinc side arms and location bosses (incorporating


the spring ratcheting mechanism), two snap-in moulded push-buttons, two anti-glide rubber rings (for stable positioning on the table-top) and the assembly screws. Fitting the side arms simply involves machining three holes on each side of the customer’s enclosure.


The side arm kits are offered in four standard colours: off-white (RAL 9002), anthracite (RAL 7016), light grey (RAL 7035) and black (RAL 9005). The push- buttons are supplied in a contrasting or matching colour.


Lastly, the customer just needs to specify the required length of extruded aluminium handle bar that fits between the two side arm assemblies. The dimension is simply the width of the customer’s enclosure (where the handle will be fitted) less 26 mm. METCASE will then supply the extrusion to the correct length. The handle bars are available painted in the same colours as the side arms and also in silver metallic (RAL 9006).


To order the handle bar, simply select the handle colour part number and replace the XXX at the end with the required dimension. For example: for a 350 mm wide customer enclosure, the machined bar length is 324 mm (350 mm less 26 mm). So, the part number will be M50930-324 with the bar painted in silver metallic (RAL 9006).


METCASE can supply these handle kits painted in alternative RAL colours. For special colours, the moulded push-buttons will be supplied in black (RAL 9005).


View the METCASE website for more information: https://www.metcase.co.uk/en/Accessories-for-Enclosures/Universal-Carry-Handle- Bars.htm.


www.metcase.co.uk


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