Just as meat and poultry products have changed in response to shifting consumer tastes and demands, so, too, have inspection technologies used to ensure the safety, consistency and quality of those items. While x-ray machines are regularly used to inspect traditional raw and bulk product in processing facilities, advanced inspection systems are installed to find and remove physical contaminants, conduct quality and integrity checks and enable better traceability in an array of packaged products, including trays, chubs, and boxes, among other forms and provide opportunities for process optimization.
“The growing diversity of packaged meat and poultry products brings a new and innovative dynamic to the industry, but also poses some challenges for processors who are adding to their portfolios while also keeping up with operational demands, staying compliant with stringent regulations and dealing with labor issues. Inspection systems can be used as a multifunctional tool to not only protect products and brands from potential hazards, but help processors run their lines more efficiently and flexibly,” says Michael Stuart, product specialist for Eagle Product Inspection.