How Contaminant Detection Systems Protect Pumped Line Food Products
By Isaac Fletcher, contributing writer, Food Online
Contaminant detection is a critical component of any food processing operation, but pumped line products present certain difficulties that manufacturers need to overcome.
In a food processing environment, pipelines are often used to transport a variety of foods, including meat, poultry, produce, and confectionary goods. As a valuable part of many production lines, pumped food lines need to be properly maintained and monitored for safety. However, when it comes to detecting contaminants in pumped products, many manufacturers face challenges.
Related: How To Evaluate Energy Savings In Food Pumping Operations
In order to improve contamination detection in pumped food lines and produce safer food products, manufacturers should consider the use of metal detection and x-ray pipeline inspection systems. Metal detection and x-ray systems are already used in many processes throughout the industry and for a wide range of applications. Before implementing one of these systems, manufacturers should consider some of the following factors.
Metal Detection Vs. X-Ray Inspection
Some pumped products are only suited for metal detection while others require x-ray inspection. In some cases, either type of system can work, but it is important to understand what kind of system needs to be used with a given pumped line product. There may also be situations that it is beneficial to make use of both metal detection and x-ray inspection throughout different critical control points (CCPs) within the same production line to maximize contaminant detection.
Critical Control Points
As noted above, contaminant detection systems for pumped line products can be used at various stages within a production line. The type of detection system used is often determined by the CCP and the stage of the product at that point. In many cases, it is advantageous to install either type of detection system early in the production process, as doing so allows manufacturers to recover product and feed it back into the line after a contaminant is removed. Additionally, by removing contaminants early, the risk of damage to processing equipment is significantly reduced. Lastly, early detection can help manufacturers ensure that the quality control of their suppliers is up to par.
Testing
Detection systems within pumping lines need to be periodically tested to verify that they are properly rejecting contaminated products and operating in accordance to a given sensitivity standard. As a relatively small step that can provide significant benefit, regular testing helps manufacturers guard against contaminated product from reaching the market. When contaminated products reach the market, consumers are put at risk and a recall is likely to be issued, resulting in high costs and damaged reputation for the manufacturer.