How can foreign objects be detected and eliminated from food products?

Foreign objects, such as metal, plastic, glass, or wood, can pose serious health and safety risks to consumers and damage the reputation and profitability of food manufacturers. Therefore, it is essential to detect and eliminate them from food products before they reach the market. In this article, you will learn about some of the common methods and technologies used for foreign object detection and elimination in the food industry.

1 Visual inspection

One of the simplest and most widely used methods for foreign object detection is visual inspection. This involves manually or automatically scanning the food products for any visible signs of contamination, such as color, shape, size, or texture. Visual inspection can be done at various stages of the production process, such as raw material reception, sorting, processing, packaging, or final quality control. However, visual inspection has some limitations, such as human error, fatigue, or bias, and the inability to detect small or hidden foreign objects.

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Macarena Scinardo

Quality and R&D Head en Establecimiento Avícola Las Acacias S.A.
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Es una metodología muy eficiente para detectar elementos extraños de gran tamaño, materia prima en mal estado o de calidad no acorde.

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2 Metal detection

Metal detection is another common method for foreign object detection, especially for processed foods that are packaged in metal-free materials. Metal detectors use electromagnetic fields to identify any metallic objects in the food products and trigger an alarm or a rejection system. Metal detectors can detect ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless steel metals of various sizes and shapes, depending on the sensitivity and frequency of the device. However, metal detectors cannot detect non-metallic foreign objects, such as glass, plastic, or wood, and may be affected by factors such as product temperature, moisture, salt, or pH.

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Md. Masudur Rahman CEO, FBM Technologies Ltd

CEO at FBM TEchnologies Ltd:
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Metal detection plays a pivotal role in upholding the safety and quality standards of the food industry. Its application is strategically integrated into various stages of food processing, from the initial intake of raw materials to the final packaging of products. Different types of metal detectors, including ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless steel detectors, are employed to identify potential contaminants. Calibration is a routine practice, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of these detectors. Sensitivity settings are adjusted based on factors such as the type of product, packaging materials, and the expected metal contaminants.

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3 X-ray inspection

X-ray inspection is a more advanced and versatile method for foreign object detection, as it can detect both metallic and non-metallic foreign objects, such as glass, plastic, stone, bone, or rubber. X-ray inspection uses high-energy beams to penetrate the food products and generate images that show the density and shape of the objects. X-ray inspection can also measure other quality attributes, such as weight, fill level, or seal integrity. However, x-ray inspection is more expensive and complex than other methods and may require special safety measures and regulations.

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4 Magnetic separation

Magnetic separation is a method for foreign object elimination, specifically for ferrous metals, such as iron or steel. Magnetic separation uses magnets or magnetic fields to attract and remove any metallic particles from the food products. Magnetic separation can be applied at different points of the production process, such as before or after grinding, mixing, or conveying. Magnetic separation can improve the efficiency and reliability of metal detection and reduce the risk of product recalls and customer complaints. However, magnetic separation cannot eliminate non-ferrous metals or non-metallic foreign objects.

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5 Air separation

Air separation is another method for foreign object elimination, especially for light-weight or low-density foreign objects, such as plastic, paper, or dust. Air separation uses air currents or vacuums to blow or suck any unwanted particles from the food products. Air separation can be used for dry or granular foods, such as cereals, nuts, seeds, or spices. Air separation can enhance the quality and safety of the food products and prevent any contamination or spoilage. However, air separation may not be effective for heavy or high-density foreign objects, such as glass, metal, or stone.

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Gnoungo Mariam KONE

QHSE Governance and Compliance | Supply Chain | Innovation | Project Management | Risk Management | General Management | WBAF (G20) Head Of Mission | PE Investor | Startup Advisor | Harvard Alumna
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In addition to the listed elements, - Sieves and filters are also used to separate and remove larger foreign objects like stones or pieces of equipment that might accidentally end up in the food processing line. - Ultrasonic sensors can be used to identify foreign objects based on their acoustical properties. This technology is particularly useful for detecting objects that may not be visible through traditional methods. Combining multiple methods and technologies at different stages of the production process creates a robust system for detecting and eliminating foreign objects from food products, ensuring the final product meets the highest safety standards.

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6 Optical sorting

Optical sorting is a method for foreign object elimination, as well as for sorting food products based on color, shape, size, or quality. Optical sorting uses cameras, sensors, or lasers to scan the food products and compare them with predefined criteria. Optical sorting can then separate the acceptable and unacceptable products using air jets, mechanical ejectors, or other mechanisms. Optical sorting can be used for fresh or processed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, or dairy. Optical sorting can improve the appearance and consistency of the food products and reduce the waste and rework.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Macarena Scinardo

Quality and R&D Head en Establecimiento Avícola Las Acacias S.A.
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Se pueden utilizar tamices y filtros para separar elementos que no forman parte del producto final, que pueden venir acompañando a las materias primas por su naturaleza o que por algún descuido se hayan introducido en el flujo de proceso.

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Stéphane N. KOUAME

QHSE-Food Safety Manager | QHSE Auditor | Ninja de la Qualité
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Les corps étrangers dans les denrées alimentaire constitue des dangers significatifs donc devront être gérés en PRPO ou CCP. Leur maitrise nécessite donc des mesure de maitrise qui doivent être validées, surveillées et vérifiées selon la norme ISO 22000. Le choix de la mesure de maitrise dépendra du produit et surtout du procédé de fabrication de l'aliment

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Zachary Harland

Industrial Automation and PLC Programming
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One major thing to consider is prevention. If you can keep out contamination in the first place, it will save time and product on the output. Educating your people involved in the processes, identifying and restricting items on the manufacturing floor, and effective training on handling, dress and appearance and safety can really add to the effectiveness of detection equipment and add customer trust in your product.

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How can foreign objects be detected and eliminated from food products?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Visual inspection

2 Metal detection

3 X-ray inspection

4 Magnetic separation

5 Air separation

6 Optical sorting

7 Here’s what else to consider

Food Science

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How can foreign objects be detected and eliminated from food products?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Visual inspection

2 Metal detection

3 X-ray inspection

4 Magnetic separation

5 Air separation

6 Optical sorting

7 Here’s what else to consider

Food Science

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