QUALITY CONTROL
sensitive area of the aperture or pack
• Rejection mechanisms not functioning or not routinely tested
• •
Incomplete record keeping or lack of documented procedures
System settings altered without re- validation
These issues can lead to audit failures and
can also undermine the effectiveness of physical contamination control programs. In many cases, the equipment itself is capable of compliance, but it has not been integrated into a consistent, validated process. Maintaining compliance requires more than
occasional checks – it depends on the adoption of structured processes that are practical to apply on busy production lines. Modern inspection systems are often able to help here, by simplify these tasks through the use of automation, guided workflows and integrated reporting, reducing the potential for human error and improving audit readiness. When a contamination detection
system is installed or updated, it must be validated using test pieces that reflect the contamination risks identified in the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan. Today, automated systems are able to guide operators through these steps, prompt for the correct test pieces and automatically store results, making the process faster and more reliable while creating an audit-ready record. Verification during production is also
essential to confirm that the system continues to operate correctly. Tests should replicate real production conditions, including line speed and product orientation. Scheduling tools and on-screen reminders can help ensure checks happen at the right intervals, while automated reject confirmation and electronic result logging reduce paperwork and demonstrate compliance with retailer codes.
MANY END USERS OF
CONTAMINATION EQUIPMENT FALL SHORT OF MEETING
FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS – NOT DUE TO A LACK OF
EQUIPMENT, BUT BECAUSE OF HOW THAT EQUIPMENT IS OPERATED
adding unnecessary complexity to production workflows. Today’s inspection technologies are designed to make these tasks faster and more predictable, reducing complexity while supporting compliance with leading food safety standards. However, it is important to understand that
System parameters such as sensitivity levels
or reject timing must remain within approved limits. This is now possible to achieve through the use of digital event logs and traceable user access, which allows managers to track changes and approve updates in real time. Dashboards also provide a quick overview of compliance status across multiple lines.
Audit success Accurate, accessible records will underpin audit success. These include test results, maintenance logs, and training evidence. Inspection systems equipped with integrated data storage and reporting functions remove the need for manual documentation, meaning that critical information remains secure, searchable and always available in the event of an audit. Combining clear operating procedures
with technology that streamlines validation, monitoring and reporting can help confectionery manufacturers to maintain compliance without
maintaining compliance is not just a technical exercise. It requires operational discipline and staff training to embed food safety culture into daily routines. Personnel need to understand how and why contamination detection systems work, what constitutes a valid test, and when escalation might be required. Again, automation can help here. Systems with guided test modes, alarm notifications and performance monitoring features can reduce manual error and highlight deviations. But these tools must be used correctly, and their outputs acted upon. Where multiple product types are produced on the same line, automated product setup and changeover functions can reduce the risk of human error, provided each configuration is validated in advance. Global food safety schemes make one thing
clear – foreign body detection must go beyond installation to deliver consistent, validated performance. Metal detection and x-ray inspection systems are essential parts of this process, but their value depends on integration into HACCP frameworks, routine testing, and accurate record-keeping. When supported by modern technology
that streamlines validation, monitoring and documentation, these systems can help confectionery producers reduce risk, simplify compliance and protect brand reputation, every day, not just during an audit. Metal detection and x-ray inspection systems that combine robust detection with compliance can help protect consumers, maintain brand integrity and comply with industry requirements without adding unnecessary complexity to your processes.
MAY 2026 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 45
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