Special edition: Product Inspection
Thermo Fisher sees shifting preference toward fresh versus packaged food
The company recently launched a bulk X-ray machine for bulk flow products such as seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables and claims with a growing number of processors rejecting and returning entire product lots if they arrive contaminated, this type of X-ray system can be used by growers/packers to remove contaminants before they reach the food processor.
'Pushing inspection responsibility further upstream'
Kris Fairfield, global business director, Product Inspection, Thermo Fisher Scientific, told FoodProductionDaily, it also sees a trend toward pushing inspection responsibility further upstream.
“Food processors increasingly do not want to accept raw ingredients that haven’t been subjected to some inspection methodology before arriving at their plant,” he said.
“The impact to our business is more raw ingredient suppliers are likely to be evaluating the use of inspection systems in their own facilities.
“There is also a growing trend among retailers that certain product inspection technologies should be employed prior to delivery to ensure product safety and quality.”
Thermo Fisher Scientific manufactures metal detectors, X-ray equipment and checkweighers. It recently launched several systems to assist processors with their product inspection objectives. These include:
Thermo Scientific Quickfit conveyors for use with Thermo Scientific APEX metal detectors. The conveyor is designed to improve reliability, decrease maintenance and reduce the total cost of ownership for processors of dairy, snacks, meat, poultry, seafood, bakery and prepared foods.
Thermo Scientific Versa checkweigher line. An upgraded checkweigher product line, available globally, has been designed to improve accuracy and reliability and decrease maintenance for food, pharmaceutical and personal care companies that package products in pouches, bags, cartons and more.
Thermo Scientific Xpert bulk X-ray systems. Two bulk X-ray systems, the Thermo Scientific Xpert B400 and B600, give food processors, growers and packers new ways to address potential contaminants in bulk food ingredients.
“These latest innovations are consistent with our commitment to support our customers’ objectives. These can range from the need to improve operational efficiencies, meet new quality standards, comply with regulatory requirements or fulfil retailer requirements and others,” said Fairfield.
“We must ensure our technology can keep pace with ever-changing market and regulatory requirements that may be different from one country or geographic region to the next.
“Our machines are designed to allow customers flexibility as their needs change – whether they are embracing new packaging types or responding to changes in consumer preferences, for example for more fresh versus frozen or food in shelf-stable packaging.”
