REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND LABELLING TRENDS
cross-contamination and mislabelling, often the result of manual checks that leave too much room for human error. UK legislation requires that all 14 major allergens are clearly declared on packaging, making label accuracy a critical line of defence for consumers,” Mike explains. Incidents involving foreign materials,
such as metal and glass, highlight vulnerabilities in production processes. In the UK, contamination from foreign materials such as metal or glass continues to be a recognised risk in food production. In 2023/24, the FSA recorded 136 incidents in the hazard category “Poor or insufficient controls”, a classification that can include failures in contamination detection systems at Critical Control Points. “These figures show that even with advances in detection technology, process weaknesses still leave openings for potentially harmful materials to enter the food supply,” Mike says. “Modern metal detection and x-ray inspection systems, optimised for high sensitivity, can detect contaminants reliably and combat this worrying trend. Regular testing and maintenance of these systems are essential to be sure of optimal performance and to build consumer trust through consistently high quality products.” Pathogens like bacteria are another contributor
significant to recalls.
“Maintaining stringent hygiene standards in production environments, especially in hot, harsh or wet conditions, is critical. Investing in washdown-capable equipment, such as metal detectors that have an IP69 rating can withstand rigorous cleaning processes, can prevent machinery from contamination. Manufacturers are encouraged to implement thorough cleaning programs and invest in equipment designed with hygienic features to minimise risks,” Mike adds. Mistakes in labelling of expiration
dates can lead to serious consequences for manufacturers and consumers. “These errors often arise from manual processes but can be mitigated with vision inspection systems that automatically verify label content. By integrating this technology, manufacturers can prevent costly recalls and maintain consumer confidence,” he assures. Packaging issues, such as damaged seals or compromised materials, present
a risk of product contamination or spoilage. “X-ray technology offers a comprehensive solution by not only detecting a wide range of foreign body contaminants but also simultaneously conducting multiple quality checks on the packaging itself. This dual capability allows manufacturers to identify and address defects so that only high-quality products reach consumers.” Despite the challenges, there is a
silver lining. The industry is seeing a growing adoption of cutting-edge product inspection
technologies. “Solutions
like metal detectors, x-ray systems and vision inspection equipment are being installed at key production stages. These tools not only reduce recall risks but also strengthen relationships with consumers and retailers, fostering greater confidence in the safety of food products. “As the food manufacturing sector
adapts to these challenges, the path forward lies in proactive measures, continuous improvement and the integration of advanced technologies. By addressing the root causes of recalls, manufacturers can enhance safety
22 • KENNEDY’S BAKERY PRODUCTION • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2025
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