Metal detectable grain bag thread
Started by DavidB, Mar 30 2010 01:16 AM
In our process Grains ingredients are normally packed in either plastic lined or unlined woven polyester bags closed by synthetic thread or plastic lined kraft paper bags. For the bags sown closed with thread, there is a risk of cotton thread falling into the loading hopper and through the metal screen along with grains, thus contaminatinf batch mix. Each batch takes around 40 x 25kg bags of whole grains loaded through a 10mm aperture stainless steel screened hopper.
Paper bags are quite expensive and add to raw materials costs - there is of course the risk of paper contamination too.
Vendors have all implemented the use of brightly coloured thread which helps with visual detection, and Operator training and awareness has assisted in reducing the risk, but it remains an issue.
We have also put in a machanical lid to the hopper to ensure the hopper is protected while the bag is being opened.
Would anyone have advice on strategies to eliminate this type of risk and more importantly , on whether there is a metal detectable synthetic or cotton type thread available?
Finished packages which may be contaminated with Metal detectable thread would be eliminated when passed through packaging inductive metal and Xray detectors.
looking forward to some help on solving this!
David
Paper bags are quite expensive and add to raw materials costs - there is of course the risk of paper contamination too.
Vendors have all implemented the use of brightly coloured thread which helps with visual detection, and Operator training and awareness has assisted in reducing the risk, but it remains an issue.
We have also put in a machanical lid to the hopper to ensure the hopper is protected while the bag is being opened.
Would anyone have advice on strategies to eliminate this type of risk and more importantly , on whether there is a metal detectable synthetic or cotton type thread available?
Finished packages which may be contaminated with Metal detectable thread would be eliminated when passed through packaging inductive metal and Xray detectors.
looking forward to some help on solving this!
David
Mycotoxin and heavy metal limits in frozen fruits and vegetables as per EU regulations
New Metal Detector requirements in the food safety management system
BRC Metal Detection - Correct Placing of Test Pieces
Metal Detection - is it a Monitoring Activity or a CCP?
Metal detector rejects
[Ad]
I think you are looking for perfection David, but of course it's a worthwhile goal. Can anyone assist David on this with similar process or ideas?
One silly idea can the bags be cut from the bottom or middle?
Regards,
Simon
One silly idea can the bags be cut from the bottom or middle?
Regards,
Simon
Simon
Thanks for the suggestion:
We have considered cutting the bags open - problem with this is fragments of plastic from the bag itself could potentially be introduced into the mix.
There are of course other solutions which dont involve bags at all - bulk grain handling - but this is of course a major capital project.
regards
David
Thanks for the suggestion:
We have considered cutting the bags open - problem with this is fragments of plastic from the bag itself could potentially be introduced into the mix.
There are of course other solutions which dont involve bags at all - bulk grain handling - but this is of course a major capital project.
regards
David
Hi David
What kind of your products is?
Yes, there is the risk of thread contamination, and what is your acceptable levels for the foreign body? Do you determine it?
What kind of your products is?
Yes, there is the risk of thread contamination, and what is your acceptable levels for the foreign body? Do you determine it?
Mycotoxin and heavy metal limits in frozen fruits and vegetables as per EU regulations
New Metal Detector requirements in the food safety management system
BRC Metal Detection - Correct Placing of Test Pieces
Metal Detection - is it a Monitoring Activity or a CCP?
Metal detector rejects
Metal detectable Infrared thermometer?
Metal Detector Validation vs Calibration
Metal Detector Validation
Can you get SQF Certification without a Metal Detector?
Metal Detection for Mac and Cheese Cartons Containing Foil Pouches