July 2014 - Issue 37

Over the past few years, we have seen a significant increase in the demand for x-ray detection. Since the early 1990s, the food and pharmaceutical industries have relied on x-ray technology to detect potentially harmful contaminants, to protect consumers and maintain brand reputations. We get lots of questions about x-ray - can it detect so and so? What other capabilities does it have? Is it safe? We will address these questions below.

Why Use X-rays to Inspect Products?

Food and pharmaceutical manufacturers use x-ray inspection technology to ensure product safety and quality. In addition to detecting foreign bodies, x-ray systems can simultaneously perform a wide range of other in-line quality checks, such as measuring mass, counting components, identifying missing or broken products, monitoring fill levels, inspecting seal integrity and checking for damaged product and packaging.

Increasing line speeds and consumer expectations have put pressure on manufacturers to adopt more reliable methods of product inspection. Although there are no legal requirements to use x-ray inspection, guidelines such as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing Practice, as well as ad hoc standards set by individual retailers put the onus on manufacturers to establish reliable product inspection programs.

Incorporating x-ray inspection systems into a company-wide product inspection program to ensure product safety and quality helps manufacturers comply with national and international regulations, local legislation and standards set by retailers.

How Safe Is X-ray Inspection of Food?

Some food manufacturers have reservations about the adoption of x-ray inspection as a method of product inspection. They are concerned that their staff will object to bringing x-rays into the workplace and that consumers could switch to another brand that's not been subject to x-ray inspection.

People are right to be wary of radiation. But that does not mean they should be worried about the use of x-rays in food inspection. The levels used for x-ray inspection in the food industry are extremely low, and the use of x-ray inspection equipment is both highly regulated and increasingly common.

Click here to download the White Paper: How Safe is X-ray Inspection of Food?

Click here to download the Safeline X-ray infographic.

Pack Expo 2014

The 2014 Pack Expo is taking place November 2nd - 5th at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. All of our exclusive Principals will be in attendance. If you have already made plans to attend and require passes to the Show, please contact your Sales Rep and they will arrange for free passes.

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