A new polyethylene film has been developed that can be detected by metal detectors, reducing the risk of contamination due to plastic equipment in food processing.
EU regulations require food processors to implement hazard analysis and critical control plan (HACCP) which include developing effective monitoring procedures at critical control points.
Processors are looking for materials that can be easily detected to reduce contamination risks. While many use all-metal equipment during processing, such as stainless steel spatulas, which can be easily detected if it falls into food, others use plastic components because they are cheaper, hygienic and lighter. These, however, are difficult to detect if they were to fall in the food and metal detectors are ineffective.
Equipment and parts that fall into food can damage equipment further along the processing line if undetected, as well as result in potential consumer injury.
A range of products have been developed that incorporate the new film including, scoops, scrapers, stirrers, shovels, buckets, cutters, knives, cups, clipboards, sticking plasters, earplugs and vinyl gloves. These films are available in red, green and yellow in addition to the standard blue.