ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS Equipment interference is another common challenge that food manufacturers frequently misjudge , claims Jeff during the podcast . “ During a food safety audit I frequently hear people express their disillusion in new inspection metal detectors . Usually it ’ s a simple thing . They haven ’ t factored in vibration and signal interference caused by industrial equipment radio signals and conveyors running in close proximity to their shiny new machine .”
To counteract this issue , a built-in noise immunity structure can dramatically reduce the effects of external electrical noise , again resulting in fewer false product rejects . This technology is built into the Fortress Bulk , as well as Fortress digital Metal Detectors and the new Raptor checkweighing series .
PEST PREPAREDNESS Equally important for food safety custodians is understanding which natural contaminants are more likely to be prevalent in harvested or raw foods . For example , pips , shells , stalks , bones , stones and insects . Upstream is often the best place to identify these contaminants . Although gravity metal detection inspection systems can be used , screening and sieving ingredients is more typical , particularly when trying to eliminate insects .
Taking flour as an example , Jeff emphasises the importance of sifting through a 600-micron screen to remove the smallest of insects . Additionally , changing a supplier , sourcing from a different country , or altering the process and product flow raises many other questions . Has your ingredient or product been sourced from the same country ? Is it the exact same product your inspection system is calibrated to ? Jeff notes that if the origin has changed , there might be a slightly different moisture or salt content .
In fact , any change , even between seasons can impact the product characteristics . To put this into context , Jeff observes that the protein levels in flour , for instance , can be different at the start of harvest compared to the end of the season .
BUILD A SAFETY PROGRAM Overall , there are multiple steps a food manufacture can take to help control the introduction of foreign material into food products . Instilling a food safety culture and routine audits can help .
Both Jeff and Phil suggest a deep dive internal review of all food risks and processes at least once a month , including an inspection of everything from production lines and all machinery , to refrigeration and the outside roof . Jeff also advocates mixing people ’ s skills up and creating a truly multidisciplinary team , including finance , engineers and quality control . He cites it as the ideal way to spread knowledge and embed an inspection culture that becomes natural .
Additionally , moisture levels , the air bubbles and density in baked bread can change minute to minute . Even in the same batch . This can impact a metal detector ’ s ability to distinguish between any metal contaminants that may have been introduced during the mixing process and the false signal given by the combination of product attributes . By conquering this product effect , the Fortress Interceptor Metal Detector can clearly differentiate between these signals and any metal contaminant .
Jeff ends the podcast with : “ Nobody can do everything … But everybody can do something ,” clarifying that everyone has a role to play in consumer and brand protection and keeping all contaminants out of the food supply chain .
For more details , listen to the free Fortress Technology food safety podcast series here https : / www . fortresstechnology . com / food-safetyfirst-episode-5-part-2-foreignmaterial-control /
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