Polyethylene film improves contaminant detection

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 and lighter. These, however, are difficult to detect and metal detectors are ineffective. Equipment and parts that fall into food can damage further equipment further along the processing line if undetected, as well as result in potential consumer injury. E-Components & Chains claims its Detectamet Tec-Tor film, which can be wrapped around equipment or used to manufacturer equipment, has metal-based additive so that fragments as small as a 2mm cubed (weighing 0.01 g) can be detected and rejected using standard metal-detection equipment. The most popular product developed so far is Detectamet pens, according to the company. A range of other products have also been developed that incorporate the film including, scoops, scrapers, stirrers, shovels, buckets, cutters, knives, cups, clipboards, sticking plasters, earplugs and vinyl gloves. Detectamet products are available in red, green and yellow in addition to the standard blue. For machinery and process applications, there are Detectamet rubber sheeting, rubber extrusions, O-ring seals, belting, suction cups, retaining clips and cable ties. Test sticks, pucks and balls are aslo available for verifying the correct operation of metal detectors.