Physical contamination of food and beverages encompasses foreign material that makes its way into product at some point during growing, harvesting, storage, manufacturing, processing, or distribution. https://www.food-safety.com/rss/339 en-us The system provides 1,000 millimeters of inspection coverage and supports belt speeds of up to 76 meters per minute. An optional integrated barcode reader enables inspection of mixed cases and supports multilane production environments. The system provides 1,000 millimeters of inspection coverage and supports belt speeds of up to 76 meters per minute. An optional integrated barcode reader enables inspection of mixed cases and supports multilane production environments.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11595 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:11:04 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11595-eagle-introduces-pack-1000-pro-for-x-ray-inspection-of-large-cases-multipacks Moringa oleifera seed extract could potentially serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional alum coagulants for microplastic removal in drinking water treatments, while also allowing for process simplification and cost savings. Moringa oleifera seed extract could potentially serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional alum coagulants for microplastic removal in drinking water treatments, while also allowing for process simplification and cost savings.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11500 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11500-researchers-find-plant-extract-effectively-removes-microplastics-from-drinking-water The line combines PPM’s frying, seasoning, and product handling systems with Key’s optical sorting technology into a unified processing solution, from slicing through packaging. The line combines PPM’s frying, seasoning, and product handling systems with Key’s optical sorting technology into a unified processing solution, from slicing through packaging.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11443 Wed, 20 May 2026 06:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11443-ppm-key-introduce-fully-integrated-chip-processing-line Uniforms designed for food safety are a vital part of every food processing program, helping prevent contamination and streamline audits. Uniforms designed for food safety are a vital part of every food processing program, helping prevent contamination and streamline audits.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11360 Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11360-employee-uniforms-a-frontline-defense-against-food-contamination http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11291 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:41:46 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11291-next-gen-fortress-touchscreen-interface-supports-food-safety-compliance The free resource outlines practical ways to identify risks, select the right inspection technologies, and build a proactive foreign material contamination prevention strategy, focusing on five key areas of food safety management. The free resource outlines practical ways to identify risks, select the right inspection technologies, and build a proactive foreign material contamination prevention strategy, focusing on five key areas of food safety management.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11258 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:12:48 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11258-mettler-toledo-offers-guide-to-preventing-physical-contamination In this bonus episode of Food Safety Matters, Kye Luker, Chief Product Officer at FlexXray, discusses the significant challenge of foreign material contamination, and how food processors can improve detection and inspection with advanced technologies and third-party partnerships. In this bonus episode of Food Safety Matters, Kye Luker, Chief Product Officer at FlexXray, discusses the significant challenge of foreign material contamination, and how food processors can improve detection and inspection with advanced technologies and third-party partnerships. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11236 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 02:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11236-flexxray-emerging-technologies-for-improving-foreign-material-detection The system was developed for vegetable processors handling multiple SKUs, mixed products, and frequent production changeovers. COMPASS is ideal for fresh and individually quick frozen (IQF) corn, peas, and green beans. The system was developed for vegetable processors handling multiple SKUs, mixed products, and frequent production changeovers. COMPASS is ideal for fresh and individually quick frozen (IQF) corn, peas, and green beans.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11232 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:28:04 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11232-key-technology-introduces-compass-optical-sorter-for-vegetable-processing hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) This episode of Food Safety Five discusses a food safety issue that was covered in some of our most-read scientific articles of 2025: microplastics release from food contact materials and contamination of food. This episode of Food Safety Five discusses a food safety issue that was covered in some of our most-read scientific articles of 2025: microplastics release from food contact materials and contamination of food.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11016 Tue, 06 Jan 2026 07:30:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11016-food-safety-five-ep-23-one-of-2025s-hottest-topicsmicroplastics-in-food hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) The top ten food safety research projects that excited Food Safety Magazine’s audience the most in 2025 covered Listeria monocytogenes (especially related to biofilms), microplastics, Escherichia coli, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), avian influenza in dairy, microbial threats in irrigation water, and food allergens. The top ten food safety research projects that excited Food Safety Magazine’s audience the most in 2025 covered Listeria monocytogenes (especially related to biofilms), microplastics, Escherichia coli, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), avian influenza in dairy, microbial threats in irrigation water, and food allergens.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/11003 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/11003-top-ten-food-safety-scientific-studies-of-2025 The new COMPASS optical sorter from Key Technology combines high-performance foreign material contamination detection and removal with gentle, hygienic product handling to help processors enhance food safety and operational efficiency. The new COMPASS optical sorter from Key Technology combines high-performance foreign material contamination detection and removal with gentle, hygienic product handling to help processors enhance food safety and operational efficiency.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10971 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:39:16 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10971-key-unveils-compass-optical-sorter-for-foreign-material-in-leafy-greens To close significant knowledge gaps and inform measures to protect consumers, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been requested by Parliament to deliver a scientific opinion on the potential health risks posed by microplastics in food, water, and air. To close significant knowledge gaps and inform measures to protect consumers, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been requested by Parliament to deliver a scientific opinion on the potential health risks posed by microplastics in food, water, and air.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10949 Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:40:14 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10949-efsa-to-publish-scientific-advice-on-risks-of-microplastics-in-food-by-end-2027 Mettler Toledo Product Inspection Group has introduced its new X3 Series of bulk flow X-ray inspection systems for physical contamination detection. Typical applications include fruits and vegetables, nuts, pulses, confectionery, and cereals. Mettler Toledo Product Inspection Group has introduced its new X3 Series of bulk flow X-ray inspection systems for physical contamination detection. Typical applications include fruits and vegetables, nuts, pulses, confectionery, and cereals.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10930 Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:42:33 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10930-mettler-toledo-unveils-x3-x-ray-series-for-bulk-foods-inspection hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) Glove manufacturer Eagle Protect PBC has submitted a petition to FDA urging the agency to prohibit the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl) disposable gloves for food handling in the U.S., citing compliance gaps, poor durability, and chemical risks. Glove manufacturer Eagle Protect PBC has submitted a petition to FDA urging the agency to prohibit the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl) disposable gloves for food handling in the U.S., citing compliance gaps, poor durability, and chemical risks.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10895 Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:18:05 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10895-fda-petitioned-to-ban-pvc-gloves-for-food-handling-due-to-inadequate-food-safety The December 3 live webinar will focus on challenges associated with bone contamination in meat and poultry applications, describe the benefits of dual-energy X-ray inspection, and feature a live demonstration of X-ray inspection technology. The December 3 live webinar will focus on challenges associated with bone contamination in meat and poultry applications, describe the benefits of dual-energy X-ray inspection, and feature a live demonstration of X-ray inspection technology.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10889 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:32:11 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10889-mettler-toledo-to-host-free-x-ray-inspection-webinar The latest generation of Eagle Product Inspection’s Tall PRO XSDV detection accuracy for contaminants in food products such as glass, metal, stone, or rubber—especially in complex or multi-layered packaging formats. The latest generation of Eagle Product Inspection’s Tall PRO XSDV detection accuracy for contaminants in food products such as glass, metal, stone, or rubber—especially in complex or multi-layered packaging formats.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10868 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 10:03:23 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10868-eagle-unveils-next-gen-eagle-tall-pro-xsdv-x-ray hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) This episode of Food Safety Five discusses hoses as reservoirs for biofilms in food processing facilities, the presence of Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter on retail beef and chicken, a new Salmonella serovar database, and microplastics release from food contact materials. This episode of Food Safety Five discusses hoses as reservoirs for biofilms in food processing facilities, the presence of Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter on retail beef and chicken, a new Salmonella serovar database, and microplastics release from food contact materials.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10847 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 07:30:00 -0500 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10847-food-safety-five-ep-19-biofilms-in-hoses-listeria-and-campylobacter-on-retail-meats A review published by EFSA concludes that, while there is clear evidence of microplastic release from food contact materials (FCMs), the actual quantities are likely lower than many studies suggest, and current evidence does not support reliable exposure estimates. Nanoplastics data remain insufficient. A review published by EFSA concludes that, while there is clear evidence of microplastic release from food contact materials (FCMs), the actual quantities are likely lower than many studies suggest, and current evidence does not support reliable exposure estimates. Nanoplastics data remain insufficient.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10811 Tue, 21 Oct 2025 12:37:41 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10811-efsa-current-studies-may-overestimate-microplastics-transferring-from-fcms-into-food hendersonb@bnpmedia.com (Bailee Henderson) This episode of Food Safety Five discusses a UK proposed ban on Bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials, as well as two studies with global relevance: a successful clinical trial for a novel Salmonella vaccine and research demonstrating how nanoplastics enter the edible parts of crops. This episode of Food Safety Five discusses a UK proposed ban on Bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials, as well as two studies with global relevance: a successful clinical trial for a novel Salmonella vaccine and research demonstrating how nanoplastics enter the edible parts of crops.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10800 Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:30:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10800-food-safety-five-ep-18-uk-bpa-ban-plastic-in-produce-and-a-salmonella-vaccine The enhanced contaminant detection system delivers improved detection accuracy and robust compliance documentation. The enhanced contaminant detection system delivers improved detection accuracy and robust compliance documentation.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10804 Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:54:16 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10804-eagle-upgrades-bulk-415-pro-x-ray-to-ensure-regulatory-compliance Food processors do not always consider the physical hazards that may be brought in with agricultural raw materials, or have systems in place to address them. Focus may also be diverted by looking at other sources of foreign material because adequate agricultural information is not available. Food processors do not always consider the physical hazards that may be brought in with agricultural raw materials, or have systems in place to address them. Focus may also be diverted by looking at other sources of foreign material because adequate agricultural information is not available.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10793 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10793-evaluating-agricultural-sources-of-physical-contaminants-in-food Research from the University of Plymouth has demonstrated the ability of nanoplastics to infiltrate the edible radish root, which raises questions about the food safety and public health implications of dietary exposure to plastics. Research from the University of Plymouth has demonstrated the ability of nanoplastics to infiltrate the edible radish root, which raises questions about the food safety and public health implications of dietary exposure to plastics. 

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10744 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 15:19:49 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10744-study-shows-how-plastic-pollution-enters-produce The SenseGuard line integrates high-definition imaging with AI analysis to identify a range of physical contaminants in food processing, packaging, bottling, and canning applications. The SenseGuard line integrates high-definition imaging with AI analysis to identify a range of physical contaminants in food processing, packaging, bottling, and canning applications.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10726 Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:23:16 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10726-eriez-launches-senseguard-x-ray-series The system supports compliance with HACCP, GFSI, FSMA, SQF, and other global food safety standards. The system supports compliance with HACCP, GFSI, FSMA, SQF, and other global food safety standards.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10721 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:49:22 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10721-eriez-introduces-precisionguard-x8-metal-detector FlexXray’s 2025 Foreign Material (FM) contamination survey reveals offers an industry-wide snapshot of how often foreign material contamination happens and how facilities are responding. FlexXray’s 2025 Foreign Material (FM) contamination survey reveals offers an industry-wide snapshot of how often foreign material contamination happens and how facilities are responding.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10700 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:00:56 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10700-less-than-20-percent-of-producers-are-very-confident-in-fm-detection-systems-survey-shows By integrating fat analysis with contaminant detection, Eagle Product Inspection’s enhanced FA3 Series supports USDA-FSIS regulatory compliance, enhances meat product integrity, and contributes to operational efficiency. By integrating fat analysis with contaminant detection, Eagle Product Inspection’s enhanced FA3 Series supports USDA-FSIS regulatory compliance, enhances meat product integrity, and contributes to operational efficiency.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10692 Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:28:46 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10692-eagle-updates-fa3-fat-analysis-series-to-support-usda-compliance Designed specifically for potato chips, tortilla chips, and similar snack foods, the belt-fed sorting system identifies and removes product defects and foreign material to protect food safety and product quality. Designed specifically for potato chips, tortilla chips, and similar snack foods, the belt-fed sorting system identifies and removes product defects and foreign material to protect food safety and product quality.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10685 Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:46:41 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10685-key-technology-introduces-compass-optical-sorter-for-chips Ideal for harsh washdown environments, the hygienically designed Eagle Pack 400 HC with PXT offers dual energy technology, superior contaminant detection, and inline quality checks. It meets NAMI standards and IP69 specifications, ensuring food processors stay audit-ready. Ideal for harsh washdown environments, the hygienically designed Eagle Pack 400 HC with PXT offers dual energy technology, superior contaminant detection, and inline quality checks. It meets NAMI standards and IP69 specifications, ensuring food processors stay audit-ready.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10615 Fri, 15 Aug 2025 12:00:09 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10615-new-hygienically-designed-eagle-pack-400-hc-with-pxt-offers-audit-ready-product-inspection Key Technology’s new COMPASS belt-fed optical sorter delivers exceptional foreign material and defect removal for food products that cannot be handled by chute-fed sorters. Key Technology’s new COMPASS belt-fed optical sorter delivers exceptional foreign material and defect removal for food products that cannot be handled by chute-fed sorters.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10535 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:54:24 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10535-key-technologys-new-compass-belt-fed-optical-sorters-ideal-for-wet-sticky-delicate-foods Fortress Technology’s new Raptor BBK Combination system is a compact inspection system combining a metal detector and heavy duty checkweigher with an innovative reject conveyor, ideal for millers, ingredient suppliers, and wholesalers handling heavy bags of dry goods. Fortress Technology’s new Raptor BBK Combination system is a compact inspection system combining a metal detector and heavy duty checkweigher with an innovative reject conveyor, ideal for millers, ingredient suppliers, and wholesalers handling heavy bags of dry goods.

]]> http://www.food-safety.com/articles/10517 Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:29:13 -0400 https://www.food-safety.com/articles/10517-fortress-technology-offers-new-raptor-bbk-combination-inspection-system-for-heavy-bagged-goods