FOOD manufacturers are being urged to extend their food inspection systems beyond basic metal detection, following a space of recent high-profile food recalls.
Glen Oxborough, Ishida Europe’s x-ray business manager, has spoken out after recent headlines relating to glass found in cashews and bakery products, and metal discovered in pre-prepared vegetables.
“Food recalls are a big cause for concern, especially as food manufacturers are affected by supply chain volatility, labour shortages and demands for increased flexibility, all whilst pushing for faster production all the time,” Glen said. “This means that the risk of foreign bodies like glass or stones getting into packs and onto supermarket shelves is ever increasing, especially if food manufacturers are also relying solely on metal detection for their inspection processes.
“Furthermore, a recent rise in the number of recalls resulting from metal contamination suggests limitations with the technology currently employed by some manufacturers as their Critical Control Points (CCPs) for metal detection. Possible issues associated with existing machinery may include a lack of control or maintenance, or the CCP being unable to achieve the required sensitivity to detect the size or type of materials identified in recalls.
“We urge food manufacturers to review their HACCP plans and evaluate the benefits of modern x-ray inspection, if they have not done so already. The technology can identify contaminants that would not be picked up by metal detectors, such as glass, bone or stones as well enhancing detection for small metallic foreign bodies such as stainless steel. This goes on to help protect the manufacturers, the retailers, and consumers from harm, whether that be in health, financial or brand reputation terms.”
Glen added that x‑ray technology is now accessible to manufacturers of all sizes. Entry‑level models, such as the IX‑EN, provide an affordable route to improved inspection performance, while advanced systems like the IX‑PD offer high‑sensitivity detection for high‑risk applications, including poultry.
To support manufacturers responding to recall incidents or upgrading safety protocols, Ishida has expanded its testing capabilities across the UK and Europe. Dedicated facilities in Birmingham and Prague allow producers to run trials, compare system performance, and receive guidance before investing.
