With a number of recent high-profile food recalls hitting headlines, food manufacturers are being urged to extend their food inspection systems beyond basic metal detection by a leading industry expert.
The call comes from Ishida Europe’s X-Ray Business Manager, Glen Oxborough, off the back of recent food recall cases, such as glass found in cashews and bakery products and pieces of metal found in pre-prepared vegetables.
Glen highlights that the issue is one of both safety and brand reputation. He said: “Food recalls are a big cause for concern, especially as food manufacturers are affected by supply chain volatility, labour shortages and demands for increased flexibility, all whilst pushing for faster production all the time. This means that the risk of foreign bodies like glass or stones getting into packs and onto supermarket shelves is ever increasing, especially if food manufacturers are also relying solely on metal detection for their inspection processes.
Furthermore, a recent rise in the number of recalls resulting from metal contamination suggests limitations with the technology currently employed by some manufacturers as their Critical Control Points (CCPs) for metal detection. Possible issues associated with existing machinery may include a lack of control or maintenance, or the CCP being unable to achieve the required sensitivity to detect the size or type of materials identified in recalls.
“We urge food manufacturers to review their HACCP plans and evaluate the benefits of modern X-ray inspection, if they have not done so already. The technology can identify contaminants that would not be picked up by metal detectors, such as glass, bone or stones as well enhancing detection for small metallic foreign bodies such as stainless steel. This goes on to help protect the manufacturers, the retailers, and consumers from harm, whether that be in health, financial or brand reputation terms.”
X‑ray inspection systems offer a critical layer of protection by detecting a wide variety of contaminants that metal detectors cannot identify, including bone, glass, rubber and stones. They also deliver consistent performance across challenging applications, such as overlapping products, irregular pack formats and high‑speed lines. Enhanced traceability and data archiving further support compliance with food safety standards and retailer audits.
Importantly, Glen stresses that X‑ray technology is now accessible to manufacturers of all sizes. Entry‑level models, such as the IX‑EN, provide an affordable route to improved inspection performance, while advanced systems like the IX‑PD offer high‑sensitivity detection for high‑risk applications, including poultry.
“When reputational damage and financial fallout from a recall can be devastating, especially for smaller businesses, access to reliable inspection technology is crucial,” Glen added.
To support manufacturers responding to recall incidents or proactively upgrading their safety protocols, Ishida has expanded its testing capabilities across the UK and Europe. Dedicated facilities in Birmingham and Prague allow producers to run real‑world trials, compare system performance and receive expert guidance before investing.
Glen concludes: “Recalls often trigger fast‑paced investment decisions, but proactively reviewing and strengthening existing HACCP plans through the adoption of modern inspection standards helps manufacturers stay compliant, protect their brands and safeguard consumers, long before an issue becomes a damaging headline. We have the infrastructure in place to deliver fast testing and expert advice to help food businesses bounce back from a recall and support producers who want to raise their safety game.”
For more about Ishida Europe and its X-ray inspection and quality control systems, visit https://www.ishidaeurope.com/en/products/inspection-quality-control/x-ray-inspection-systems/