QUALITY CONTROL
GETTING HELP FROM YOUR INSPECTION SYSTEMS
compliance
Kati Hope, Global Key Account Manager at Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection explains how modern contamination detection systems are able to do more than just detect physical contaminants – they can also simplify compliance.
M
eeting global food safety standards requires more than simply having physical contamination detection technology installed
on your production line. It is also necessary to demonstrate that systems are set up correctly, validated, verified regularly and that critical limits are defined. These standards were introduced in a bid to reduce contamination risk, protect consumers and maintain trust across the supply chain. Contamination detection systems – whether
metal detection or x-ray inspection – will only be effective when they are matched to the product and its specific risks. Once installed, systems must be configured for the right
44 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • MAY 2026
product characteristics, packaging formats and contaminant types. Moisture, salt content or metallised film
can influence metal detector performance, while x-ray sensitivity depends on product density. So, without proper setup and validation, detection accuracy can decline, which can lead to missed contaminants or unnecessary false rejects. Technology will always deliver the best
results when it is supported by correct processes, including initial validation, routine checks, and documented controls. Without this, even advanced systems look like they are working, but may, in reality, be operating below expected standards.
Reasons for non-conformance Food safety standards – such as BRCGS and International Featured Standard (IFS) among others – set out key requirements for foreign body detection, including validated critical limits, monitoring procedures, and system verification. However, industry data shows that many end users of contamination equipment fall short, not due to a lack of equipment, but because of how that equipment is operated.
Some of the most common causes of non- conformance include: •
Tests performed outside of normal line speeds
• Test samples not placed in the least
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