Wet and dry food metal detection system a ‘breakthrough’ – Mettler-Toledo

The Profile Select metal detector, which has been developed by Mettler-Toledo Safeline, offers sensitive metal detection for both wet and dry products on food production lines – something previously found to be difficult.

The company, which is a global supplier of metal detection technology for the food industry, believes its development signals a “significant breakthrough in metal detection for wet products.”​

Traditionally, only dry products could be successfully inspected using a metal detectors’ maximum sensitivity setting.

Wet or “conductive”​ products often create an electrical signal, which can disguise the signal generated by metal contamination.

Previous restrictive technology​

"Wet products have always been able to be inspected but traditionally at less sensitive levels compared to corresponding dry products. Profile and Profile Select technology minimises even further the electrical signal created by wet or moist products,"​ Mettler-Toledo Safeline marketing manager Jonathan Richards told FoodProductionDaily.com.

"This technology can be used for wet, dry, chilled or frozen applications in a range of food manufacturers who have differing products running on their lines throughout the year."​

Mettler-Toledo’s new development utilises variable frequency technology, which selects the most suitable frequency for each food product.

This offers processors the most accurate inspection regardless of product moisture or packaging material, the company has claimed.

"A combination of variable frequency and improvements in the software platform offered as standard means our metal detectors have a level of future proofing not currently available on the market," ​said Richards.

Many current detection units use tuned frequency technology. However, this technology can be restrictive for manufacturers who produce a range of products.

According to its developer, Profile Select allows producers to adjust the operating frequency in 1 kHz increments, which ensures precise tuning for each application.

"Having small increments allows the optimum operating frequency to be found quickly and confidently by the food producer, giving them the widest possible range to gain the maximum sensitivity for a range of products they may be running,"​ he added.

This precision allows for products of different size, moisture content and material to be inspected on the same production line – without sacrificing maximum inspection accuracy.

Stricter safety legislation​

Metal contamination, although rare, can be potentially harmful to consumers.

A man in France has launched legal action against the makers of William Saurin beef bourguignon after he reported finding a box cutting blade in tin of the foodstuff, FoodProductionDaily.com reported earlier this week.

“With stricter food safety legislation coming into force, brand owners need their metal detectors to be as accurate as possible,”​ added Richards.

“Profile Select enable food producers to be confident that their products comply with regulations whatever the moisture content of their products.​”