Metal found in chocolate eclairs

The announcement in the media of ‘Metal Found In Food’ strikes fear into most food manufacturers and suppliers. Such a Food Safety issue at any major UK supermarket is a PR disaster. 

In August 2016, the latest ‘metal in food’ safety warning in the UK hit the headlines with metal found in chilled desert products, such as chocolate eclairs and profiteroles, supplied by Bakkavor to Sainsbury and Morrisons.

Due to the nature of food manufacturing, it is widely accepted that metal will be introduced into the process. The metal can arise from processing equipment (eg a broken screen, damaged pump) or from accidental introduction and can be ferrous, stainless steel or non-ferrous.

To avoid such disastrous headlines in the press, any metal needs to be found and removed prior to any product leaving the factory. Metal Contamination can be successfully removed during the process or detected and removed as part of the final product by installing a series of Magnetic Separators and Metal Detectors. Magnetic Separators are able to magnetically attract and hold ferrous metal and abraded stainless steel. Stainless steel becomes weakly magnetic when work hardened (eg from wear) and can be attracted and held by strong Rare Earth Magnets in the form of Tube Magnets, Grate Magnets and Plate Magnets.

Commonly, Magnetic Separators are installed as the food is being processed and Metal Detectors are used towards the end of the process, often just before and after packing the food product.

However, processes and products change, and a regular review of the plant is required to check that the Magnetic Separators and Metal Detectors are located in the optimum position to capture any problematic metal. A Magnetic Separation Audit fully reviews the installed equipment and process, with the findings recorded as part of the Quality and Safety Management procedure.

Protecting the customer from injury from metal contamination and a company’s reputation just needs a proactive and dynamic approach to getting the metal out.

For further information on Magnetic Separators and Metal Detectors used to separate and detect metal in foodstuffs, please contact us on:

Phone: +44 (0) 1442 87508
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.buntingeurope.com