Metal Detector Reject Collection Boxes
Hi,
I have been tasked with researching the sealed/locked metal detector reject boxes and providing justification for implementing one within our current process. I have not found a requirement for having a sealed box at this point (only manufacturer recommendations stating rejected product should go into a sealed box). I am curious who uses a locked box for their metal rejects and justifications for using one. Our current process has the rejected material blown off the conveyor down a chute into a lined box label waste. Current items of support I see are:
1.) Eliminate the risk of rejected product being reintroduced improperly
2.) Eliminate the risk of rejected product getting discarded before an investigation can occur
3.) Eliminate the risk of the metal reject's removal by an operator intentionally put into the product stream or hiding the reject from superiors
I appreciate all your help.
Thank you!
Kerry
Hi,
I have been tasked with researching the sealed/locked metal detector reject boxes and providing justification for implementing one within our current process. I have not found a requirement for having a sealed box at this point (only manufacturer recommendations stating rejected product should go into a sealed box). I am curious who uses a locked box for their metal rejects and justifications for using one. Our current process has the rejected material blown off the conveyor down a chute into a lined box label waste. Current items of support I see are:
1.) Eliminate the risk of rejected product being reintroduced improperly
2.) Eliminate the risk of rejected product getting discarded before an investigation can occur
3.) Eliminate the risk of the metal reject's removal by an operator intentionally put into the product stream or hiding the reject from superiors
I appreciate all your help.
Thank you!
Kerry
Hi Kerry,
Any particular FS Standard involved ?
PS - Welcome to the Forum ! :welcome:
Hi Kerry
Your list sums up the major reasons for having a locked box for metal detection. Are you currently collecting data from the product that is kicked out, meaning are you able to investigate, find the reason for the reject, and investigate with your maintenance department? Or are you finding that the items that are kicked out are thrown away before you are able to investigate further? This could be added to the list as a positive reason to get a locked box because if you can find the reason for the kick out you possibly can prevent it from occurring again which results in less wasted product.
Few words of caution - I'm not sure what type of product you have or how fast your lines run, but in my past experience if there are a high number of 'false' rejects in your normal process, build a big box. Otherwise you could be looking at line jam ups and the potential for product to get through without going through the metal detector at all. Also make sure your sanitation department can get into the box for cleaning! Some challenges are controlling the keys, who has authority to the boxes and their back ups, and making sure the boxes are locked at all times and not left open because 'it's easier'.
Hi Kerry,
Any particular FS Standard involved ?
PS - Welcome to the Forum ! :welcome:
Hi Charles,
We are SQF Level 3 Certified and produce nut free snacks and inclusions for the baking industry.
Thank. you!
Hi Kerry
Your list sums up the major reasons for having a locked box for metal detection. Are you currently collecting data from the product that is kicked out, meaning are you able to investigate, find the reason for the reject, and investigate with your maintenance department? Or are you finding that the items that are kicked out are thrown away before you are able to investigate further? This could be added to the list as a positive reason to get a locked box because if you can find the reason for the kick out you possibly can prevent it from occurring again which results in less wasted product.
Few words of caution - I'm not sure what type of product you have or how fast your lines run, but in my past experience if there are a high number of 'false' rejects in your normal process, build a big box. Otherwise you could be looking at line jam ups and the potential for product to get through without going through the metal detector at all. Also make sure your sanitation department can get into the box for cleaning! Some challenges are controlling the keys, who has authority to the boxes and their back ups, and making sure the boxes are locked at all times and not left open because 'it's easier'.
Peaches,
Currently data collection is hit and miss. I am able to collect, if the rejections occur when I am on site. If the product run ends on the off shift the rejects are disposed before I can investigate. Normally the rejects are fairly minimal. This has helped me identify procedure changes as well. As I mentioned to Charles we produce nut free inclusions for the baking industry. The lines run at variable speeds depending on the product but they are not fast.
Thank you!
Kerry
I have seen systems designed by Fortress Technology were the reject bin will not allow operator access to rejects. The contents of the bin are only accessible if they were from a test of the metal detector. Only QA or management are able to access the rejected product via swipe card access. It sounds like, along with the use of redundant product tracking sensors may be the solution you are looking for.
Eric