QUALITY CONTROL
as count verification, fill level assessment, void detection (missing fillings), and broken or mis-shaped items.” The operating principle of X-ray inspection
is straightforward – an X-ray beam passes through the product, producing a grey scale image in which denser foreign bodies appear as darker pixels; conversely, voids (for example, missing filling in a centred fill chocolate or macaron) present as lighter areas – enabling detection of both contaminants and quality defects in a single pass. “What really moves today’s systems from
good to game changing, however, is the use of intelligent image processing,” continued Glen. “This enables operators to optimise the system for specific products and likely contaminants, boosting sensitivity while minimising false rejects – vital for delicate, high throughput confectionery lines. “Confectionery producers should be looking at X-ray inspection systems as a strategic safeguard and an integral part of any HACCP plan where foreign body risks
are identified,” continued Glen.
“Relying on metal detection alone will leave manufacturers exposed, while X-ray offers a critical layer of protection and peace of mind above and beyond metal detection.”
French macaron producer MAG’M, for
example, adopted two advanced X-ray systems to meet the stringent quality control expectations of a new Japanese customer and to enable it to detect contaminants as small as 0.4mm while inspecting hundreds of thousands of macarons daily. The company already had a metal detector and a checkweigher but needed to go further to meet Japanese standards and strengthen its quality control procedures. The model chosen to do this is equipped with the manufacturer’s patented genetic algorithm, which allows unique image analysis filters to be created for greater detection accuracy. The system also features variable- voltage tubes to detect very low-density contaminants, which can be missed by traditional X-ray inspection systems.
Magnetic separation Craig Lorei, Global Market Manager – Light Industry at Eriez, highlighted the importance of magnetic separation solutions which are effective solutions to extract ferrous and certain stainless steels before product is passed through metal detectors. “The magnetic separation industry is constantly evolving, and products are
constantly improving,” said Craig. “For example, an independent research team proved that new rare earth magnets from Eriez
contamination with a pull-test strength that is 13 to 40% stronger than other commercially available models.” This magnet circuit is now being
incorporated into tubes, grates and liquid line traps, where its increased power can have a direct and positive impact on both product purity and plant productivity. These advanced magnets incorporate a balance between high gauss and high pull force to influence tramp metal trajectory and hold onto the particulates, even during a wash-off process. nspection technologies within the sector
confectionery have evolved
significantly in recent years. Advances in machine vision, X-ray inspection, metal detection, checkweighing, and integrated solutions are now enabling brands to identify defects and contaminants with greater accuracy and consistency than has been possible in the past. Increasingly, these systems are also able to offer additional benefits and can support broader production objectives such as process optimisation, data collection, and predictive maintenance.
are able to remove metal
MAY 2026 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 43
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