Metal detection - legally what should we be testing down to?
Trying to work out legally what size metal we should be testing down to?
Does it state in the EU legislation?
I have been trying to find it and hit a wall.
Any help appreciated 👍 :)
Hi AJL,
metal detection limit is not defined by EU regulation (but it is by some standards like BRCGS or clients, so maybe check if you have such requirements in your contracts).
Also, metal detection limit is influenced greatly by what kind of food you produce, as water or high salt content for example will drive your detection limit up.
You need to figure out (with your metal detector provider) what sensitivity level is the best possible without wreaking havoc on the production line.
Much appreciated
Thanks !
Much appreciated
Hi AJL,
There is literally a Global encyclopedia of threads here on this topic. Try searching "metal detector"
In a few European countries the, afaik legal, acceptable range is < 2mm.
The key haccp question of course is to define what is "hazardous" metal in a given context.
Canada also has 2 mm for certain products/contexts.
USA has a FDA Regulatory history of, IIRC, actions for 6mm < X < 25 mm but smaller values may still cause rejection due product being interpreted as adulterated.
However, as per previous post the exact situation is globally highly variable/opinionated.
From a purely instrumental POV, the limit (= sensitivity) can be defined via LOD/LOQ values for a given context.
Just one example to illustrate some potential complexities -