Equipment

Packagers can weed out contamination almost invisible to the human eye with the help of recently launched X-ray technology from Ishida Europe.

The IX-GA range pinpoints fragments of tin, glass, stone, plastic, bones and shell as tiny as 0.3mm in size. It can also spot missing items or damaged products, said Ishida.

“Retailers and manufacturers are demanding higher standards, and consumers raise hell if they find rogue items in their food,” said a spokesman for the firm.

“Metal detectors have been around for some time but X-rays go that little bit further in checking food products.”

“It was launched in the UK at PPMA last month and interest has been high.”

He said the technology, driven by a Windows operating system, could distinguish between legitimate metal, such as the clips on sausage ends, and unwanted items.

IX-GA was launched in Japan a few years ago and could handle top-sealed and thermoformed trays, flexible bags and unpacked products.

Paul Griffin, marketing director for Ishida Europe, said: “With today’s heightened awareness of food safety among consumers, manufacturers want to give maximum peace of mind.”