Understanding The True Factors That Affect The Probability Of Contaminant Detection

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That advice extends to investments in capital equipment, including x-ray systems that protect products and brands from costly recalls, food safety problems and quality issues.

Although food and beverage manufacturers may be promised 100% detection, a closer scrutiny of that equipment can reveal a lack of repeated tests and consistent results that don’t match the claim. Instead, true probability of detection (POD) is a more accurate indication of a machine’s performance over time on a particular line. “Probability of detection is something that manufacturers need to understand when they are thinking of introducing some form of inspection system,” says Mike Stuart, Meat Analysis & Industry Business Lead for Eagle Product Inspection.