Questions regarding BRC Issue 6 4.10.3.3

The metal detector or X-ray equipment shall incorporate one of the following:

• An automated rejection device, for continuous inline systems, which shall divert contaminated product either out of the product flow or to a secure unit accessible only to authorized personnel
• A belt stop system with an alarm where the product cannot be automatically reject. E.g.,  for very large packs
• Inline detectors which identify the location of the contaminants shall be operated to allow effective segregation of the affected product.

We have  placed an air divert paddle on our jar (5 lbs peeled  produce line - continuous  jar flow)  metal detector line to remove contaminated product out of the product flow.  Would this be in compliance with BRC Standard 4.10.3.3?

In the past, an auditor gave non-conformance and had us place an alarm on a puree continuous line metal detector line.  We have mixed reviews due to past audits and then reading the standards.  We are trying to receive a suggestions and comments from other food safety personnel.

As long as suspect product can be segregated and this can be validated then you should be okay. A way of validating this is through testing your product using the rapid fire method. For this, you will need to seed multiple (3+) jars and pass them through the detector one after another. The metal detector should be able to detect and reject all the jars into an access controlled container. If you can perform this function and have a documented procedure you should be fine.