Plan Automation Technology Blog

Consumers are driving changes in packaging, whether based on their interest in more sustainable options, demand for different sizes and formats to fit their needs or other reasons. Looking ahead, one can expect additional disruptions in traditional product development and packaging, which will impact all facets of production, including the inspection of items for safety and quality purposes. Advanced x-ray systems are keeping up with, and in some cases ahead of such changes, with features reflecting current market trends and future directions. 

Topics: Packaging Automation, Product Safety, X-Ray Inspection, Product Quality, X Ray Inspection for Food, Food Safety and Quality Inspection, Product Inspection

Food quality management is a customer-driven system that encompasses food quality assurance and food quality control, among other elements. Manufacturers use quality management systems in the food industry to provide products that are as free as possible from flaws, to meet rigorous standards required by regulations, their own objectives, and that are made efficiently and consistently. Advanced x-ray inspection technologies are tools that can be utilized for both quality control and quality assurance purposes, to different ends but for the shared food quality management goals of producing goods to satisfy end user demands and protect a company’s brand. 

Topics: Product Safety, X-Ray Inspection, Product Quality, X Ray Inspection for Food, Food Safety and Quality Inspection, Product Inspection

For any product inspection system, it’s important to spot and eliminate contaminants. However, there’s far more that goes into quality control than just preventing contamination—especially in meat production.

Topics: Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) Technologi, Product Quality, Food Safety and Quality Inspection

Non-GMO, organic food is picking up in popularity among consumers, with many food producers doing everything they can to ensure that they can apply the “certified organic” label to their products.

To meet organic standards for plant-based products, they have to be free of any GMO modifications, and specific pesticides & fertilizers may not be used. Livestock also have to be fed specific diets and meet several other requirements regarding immunizations, exercise time, and more.

Topics: Product Safety, X-Ray Inspection, Food Safety and Quality Inspection, Food Inspection

Meeting the requirements of the Global Food Safety Initiative’s (GFSI’s) optional certification can be very demanding. However, qualifying for GFSI certification can provide numerous benefits for businesses in the food industry, including:

Topics: X-Ray Inspection, Food Safety and Quality Inspection, GFSI Audits

Food safety is a major concern for businesses in all corners of the food industry. According to estimates by the Center for Disease Control, “each year roughly 1 in 6 Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases.”

Topics: Food Safety and Quality Inspection

In recent years, the popularity of “organic” foods have grown immensely. Many consumers go out of their way to purchase organic foods at the market now. In fact, according to one time.com article, “Sales of the additive-free offerings surged 11.5% in 2013, to #35.1 billion.”

With demand for organic fruits, vegetables, and meat products on the rise, many food companies are looking for the ability to add the “organic” label to their products.

Because having the organic label can be a big boost for a product’s success, one question that Plan Automation’s customers often ask is “will x-ray inspection affect my product’s organic status?”

Topics: Food Safety and Quality Inspection, Product Inspection

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, or FSMA, is a large-scale reform of the USA’s food safety laws that was signed into law on January 4, 2011 that is designed to create new standards for food safety practices. As stated on the FDA’s website, the FSMA “gives [the] FDA new mandates, authorities and oversight tools aimed at providing solid assurances that those practices are being carried out by the food industry on a consistent, on-going basis.”

So, if the FSMA was signed into law four years ago, why are we talking about it today? There are a few reasons:

Topics: Food Safety and Quality Inspection, Food Product Inspection

Food safety is an enormous concern for the public. Contaminated food products pose a grave risk to the health of millions around the world, so food contamination stories naturally grasp the attention of the public.

Topics: Food Safety and Quality Inspection, BRC, HACCP

United Kingdom-based soup, sauce and
marinade producer, TCS Foods Ltd., has
earned substantial acclaim for its high quality products and commitment to innovations in the food industry. Recipient of countless awards for excellence and quality, TCS Foods Ltd. acknowledges that superb quality food products are the joint result of both the products themselves and the safety of their preparation.

Topics: Metal Detection, X-Ray Inspection, X Ray Inspection for Food, Food Safety and Quality Inspection, X Ray Inspection Technology, Food Product Inspection, Metal Detection Technology, X Ray Inspection of Meat