---
title: Improving Product Traceability with X-Ray Product Inspection
description: Improving traceability in your food production lines with x-ray inspection can help maximize quality and minimize the future impact of product recalls.
image: http://www.planautomation.com/hs-fs/hub/20929/file-386720482-jpg/Images/Eagle_1000_Pro-resized-600.jpg
---

- [![flag-am-can-1](https://www.planautomation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/flag-am-can-1.jpg?width=55&name=flag-am-can-1.jpg "flag-am-can-1")](https://www.planautomation.com/)
- [![French](https://www.planautomation.com/hs-fs/hub/20929/file-507216172.jpg)](https://www.planautomation.com/fr/accueil/)

[![](https://www.planautomation.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cobrandlogo.png?width=946&height=150&name=cobrandlogo.png)](https://www.planautomation.com)

 

# Plan Automation Technology Blog

# Improving Product Traceability with X-Ray Product Inspection

Posted by [Mat Bedard](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/author/mat-bedard) on Fri, Jan 6, 2017 @ 10:01 AM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

![X-ray product inspection makes tracing problems in the production line easier than ever.](http://www.planautomation.com/hs-fs/hub/20929/file-386720482-jpg/Images/Eagle_1000_Pro-resized-600.jpg?width=300&name=Eagle_1000_Pro-resized-600.jpg "X-ray product inspection makes tracing problems in the production line easier than ever.")Traceability is a major concern for food producers. Being able to [track a contaminated package](https://www.planautomation.com/manufacturers/packaged-X-ray-inspection) back to its point of origin is vital for minimizing future contamination risks and for narrowing down product recalls.

However, traceability is a massive challenge for food manufacturers. It’s not enough to know that package #5671 had a piece of stone in it—you have to know where in the production process that stone was introduced so you can eliminate that risk and prevent further contamination.

By taking advantage of x-ray product inspection, you can improve traceability for contaminated packages and ingredients. Here’s how:

### **Step 1: Inspecting Ingredient Inflows**

The ingredient inflow can be a major source of contaminants in any production line. If your suppliers are providing you product with stones, bones, and other contaminants in them, you need to know.

By placing x-ray inspection machines at your ingredient inflows, you can easily determine if contaminants are being introduced to your production line by your raw ingredients. If you notice a consistent contamination problem from a single supplier, you can then take action to correct the problem.

### **Step 2: Matching Product Inspection X-Rays to Individual Packages**

One of the great things about modern x-ray inspection machines is that they can record the results of each and every inspection and store them for future reference. This helps to improve traceability by allowing you to match x-ray inspection results to individual package rejections and their causes.

For example, if a package of food has metal shavings in it, you can review the record of rejections, see which package was rejected, and which batch of product it was in. This helps you narrow down product recalls in case a contaminated product somehow makes it past your quality control process.

### **Step 3: Logging More Than Just Contaminants**

Modern x-ray inspection machines can perform a variety of quality control checks on sealed packages prior to shipping, including:

- Seal Inspection
- Checkweighing
- Fill Level Inspection
- Cap Detection
- Chemical Lean Verification for Raw Meat (with DEXA inspection machines)
- Moisture and Protein Calculation of Meat Products (with DEXA inspection machines) 
- Missing Package Component Checks

These checks help you identify other problems in your production line and trace them back to their source.

For example, if fill levels are consistently low, then there might be a problem with your ingredient feeds. If seals aren’t being closed properly, then your packaging/sealing system might need repairs/adjustments.

Increasing traceability and thoroughness of documentation can help you improve your overall quality control. And, with better quality control comes fewer customer complaints and recalls.

Find out how you can [integrate state-of-the-art x-ray product inspection](https://www.planautomation.com/let-one-of-our-product-inspection-specialist-help-you) in your production line today!

[![Download our white paper today!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20929/8fbf4357-ed4f-4592-bbfd-5e7c563f1b84.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20929/8fbf4357-ed4f-4592-bbfd-5e7c563f1b84)

 Topics: [X-Ray Inspection](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/x-ray-inspection), [Product Inspection](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/product-inspection), [Food Product Inspection](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/food-product-inspection), [Food Inspection](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/food-inspection)

### Subscribe via Email

[![Get A Free Quote Today!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20929/bff7333f-09c9-4268-99ab-bf70e6381ae5.png)](http://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20929/bff7333f-09c9-4268-99ab-bf70e6381ae5)

### Latest Posts

### Posts by Category

- [automation (5)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/automation)
- [automation controls (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/automation-controls)
- [Bandall (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/bandall)
- [bottom load case packing (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/bottom-load-case-packing)
- [BRC (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/brc)
- [Case Packing (6)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/case-packing)
- [Compliance (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/compliance)
- [corrugated packaging (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/corrugated-packaging)
- [detectable components (8)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/detectable-components)
- [drop case packing (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/drop-case-packing)
- [Dropped Pens (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/dropped-pens)
- [Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Technologi (10)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/dual-energy-x-ray-absorptiometry-dexa-technologi)
- [Eagle Pi (12)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/eagle-pi)
- [emergency x ray systems (3)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/emergency-x-ray-systems)
- [End of Line Automation (6)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/end-of-line-automation)
- [end-of-line packaging (4)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/end-of-line-packaging)
- [FDA (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/fda)
- [Food Inspection (16)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/food-inspection)
- [Food Product Inspection (18)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/food-product-inspection)
- [Food Safety and Quality Inspection (23)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/food-safety-and-quality-inspection)
- [Fortress Technology (3)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/fortress-technology)
- [full automatic automation (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/full-automatic-automation)
- [GFSI Audits (5)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/gfsi-audits)
- [HACCP (4)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/haccp)
- [Increase Cash Flow with Equipment Financing (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/increase-cash-flow-with-equipment-financing)
- [manufacturing industry (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/manufacturing-industry)
- [Matrix Packaging Machinery (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/matrix-packaging-machinery)
- [MDX (5)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/mdx)
- [Metal Detection (13)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/metal-detection)
- [Metal Detection Technology (10)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/metal-detection-technology)
- [Metal Detectors (5)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/metal-detectors)
- [Packaging Automation (11)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/packaging-automation)
- [Plan Automation Awards (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/plan-automation-awards)
- [process automation (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/process-automation)
- [process design (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/process-design)
- [processing equipment (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/processing-equipment)
- [Product Inspection (32)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/product-inspection)
- [Product Quality (20)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/product-quality)
- [Product Safety (10)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/product-safety)
- [project installation (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/project-installation)
- [semi-automatic automation (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/semi-automatic-automation)
- [Setton Farms (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/setton-farms)
- [side load case packing (3)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/side-load-case-packing)
- [stretch film (3)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/stretch-film)
- [Stretch Film Consumption (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/stretch-film-consumption)
- [Stretch Film Roping (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/stretch-film-roping)
- [stretch film wrapping (4)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/stretch-film-wrapping)
- [Stretch Wrap (3)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/stretch-wrap)
- [Stretch Wrapping (8)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/stretch-wrapping)
- [top load case packing (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/top-load-case-packing)
- [Vertical Form Fill Seal (3)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/vertical-form-fill-seal)
- [Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/vertical-form-fill-seal-machine)
- [X Ray Inspection for Food (34)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/x-ray-inspection-for-food)
- [X Ray Inspection of Meat (11)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/x-ray-inspection-of-meat)
- [X Ray Inspection Technology (20)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/x-ray-inspection-technology)
- [x-ray case study (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/x-ray-case-study)
- [X-Ray Inspection (53)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/x-ray-inspection)
- [x-ray integration (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/x-ray-integration)
- [X-Ray Solutions (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/x-ray-solutions)

### Browse by Tag

- [automation (5)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/automation)
- [automation controls (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/automation-controls)
- [Bandall (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/bandall)
- [bottom load case packing (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/bottom-load-case-packing)
- [BRC (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/brc)
- [Case Packing (6)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/case-packing)
- [Compliance (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/compliance)
- [corrugated packaging (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/corrugated-packaging)
- [detectable components (8)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/detectable-components)
- [drop case packing (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/drop-case-packing)
- [Dropped Pens (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/dropped-pens)
- [Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Technologi (10)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/dual-energy-x-ray-absorptiometry-dexa-technologi)
- [Eagle Pi (12)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/eagle-pi)
- [emergency x ray systems (3)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/emergency-x-ray-systems)
- [End of Line Automation (6)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/end-of-line-automation)
- [end-of-line packaging (4)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/end-of-line-packaging)
- [FDA (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/fda)
- [Food Inspection (16)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/food-inspection)
- [Food Product Inspection (18)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/food-product-inspection)
- [Food Safety and Quality Inspection (23)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/food-safety-and-quality-inspection)
- [Fortress Technology (3)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/fortress-technology)
- [full automatic automation (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/full-automatic-automation)
- [GFSI Audits (5)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/gfsi-audits)
- [HACCP (4)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/haccp)
- [Increase Cash Flow with Equipment Financing (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/increase-cash-flow-with-equipment-financing)
- [manufacturing industry (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/manufacturing-industry)
- [Matrix Packaging Machinery (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/matrix-packaging-machinery)
- [MDX (5)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/mdx)
- [Metal Detection (13)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/metal-detection)
- [Metal Detection Technology (10)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/metal-detection-technology)
- [Metal Detectors (5)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/metal-detectors)
- [Packaging Automation (11)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/packaging-automation)
- [Plan Automation Awards (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/plan-automation-awards)
- [process automation (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/process-automation)
- [process design (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/process-design)
- [processing equipment (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/processing-equipment)
- [Product Inspection (32)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/product-inspection)
- [Product Quality (20)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/product-quality)
- [Product Safety (10)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/product-safety)
- [project installation (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/project-installation)
- [semi-automatic automation (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/semi-automatic-automation)
- [Setton Farms (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/setton-farms)
- [side load case packing (3)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/side-load-case-packing)
- [stretch film (3)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/stretch-film)
- [Stretch Film Consumption (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/stretch-film-consumption)
- [Stretch Film Roping (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/stretch-film-roping)
- [stretch film wrapping (4)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/stretch-film-wrapping)
- [Stretch Wrap (3)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/stretch-wrap)
- [Stretch Wrapping (8)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/stretch-wrapping)
- [top load case packing (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/top-load-case-packing)
- [Vertical Form Fill Seal (3)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/vertical-form-fill-seal)
- [Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/vertical-form-fill-seal-machine)
- [X Ray Inspection for Food (34)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/x-ray-inspection-for-food)
- [X Ray Inspection of Meat (11)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/x-ray-inspection-of-meat)
- [X Ray Inspection Technology (20)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/x-ray-inspection-technology)
- [x-ray case study (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/x-ray-case-study)
- [X-Ray Inspection (53)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/x-ray-inspection)
- [x-ray integration (1)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/x-ray-integration)
- [X-Ray Solutions (2)](https://www.planautomation.com/blog/topic/x-ray-solutions)

-  

© 2025 Plan Automation | All Rights Reserved | [Privacy Policy](https://www.planautomation.com/privacy-policy)