Requirement for Metal Detection

Hello all,

I ran up against a clause that I am not sure how best to address.  I was hoping the rest of you would have some good ideas. 

To set the stage...I am working with a company that thermally processes packaged foods in hermetically sealed (often times metal) containers.  Although the process is done year round, there are a number of lines that are run for only about 3 months of the year.   My risk assessment demonstrates that metal detection would improve the detection of the final products.  Unfortunately, that would be a major capital investment being as packages of varying sizes are run on all of the lines producing different products all at the same time.  There are some magnets and screens already in place on the lines.  However, many of the products contain particulate greater than 1/4 inch.  Because of the size of particulate, I don't see fine sieves as being an option.   I was thinking that they may be able add rare earth magnets as a semi-economical solution, but being as they have a lot of stainless steel equipment, I'm not sure that would be much of a help either.  To me, x-ray seems like the best option a this point, but the cost of putting 6 new x-rays in-line directly after filling seems insurmountable.  

Have any of the rest of you run into this type of situation before?  

Another idea that I had was about renting x-ray equipment.  Have any of you ever heard of this being done?  

Hi Jess,

From memory, MDs can only offer some help after pack if Aluminium. Otherwise would presumably have to be before.

so X-ray might be the only option if must be after.

If acceptable before, the cheapest answer afaik is probably multiple MDs. Not so unusual these days of relatively cheap MDs. And second-hand ones.

Sounds like the Regulatory hawks have been happy with yr nil MDs up to now, i am surprised. IMEX BRC usually hammer away at this item if absent. Perhaps yr product is ultra Low Risk.

Thanks Charles!

I think metal detectors may be an option on a few of the lines, but I think the other lines will have to be done post packaging.  I know that for detection and prevention purposes it is best to have metal detection equipment right before packaging if possible.  I have, however, even considered putting an x-ray at the label line only because we would need fewer machines.

Definitely something to think about.