Fortress ‘intercepts’ meat and poultry contaminants at IPPE 2020

Nine Fortress Interceptor systems were recently installed by two multinational food companies, with both customers citing the increased sensitivity and machine performance as their rationale for investment. A conveyor version of the Interceptor will be on show at IPPE 2020 (Booth B-7712).

Inspecting wet and conductive products has for many years presented meat and poultry processors with a number of metal detection challenges. At IPPE 2020, Fortress Technology (Booth B-7712) will demonstrate how its Interceptor range conquers product effect and addresses orientation to take wet food inspection to a new level of sensitivity.

Focused on maximizing product quality and minimizing food waste, the Interceptor Metal Detector range tackles the issue of false rejects. The inspection machine can be deployed on numerous checkpoints on raw, cooked and frozen meat and poultry processing lines, including packing conveyors and pipeline configurations for minced meat, sausages and sauces.

So, what causes this product effect and how does a Fortress Interceptor unit overcome it? Wet and conductive products, such as fresh and frozen meats, can react in different ways in the magnetic field of a food inspection metal detector. This can lead to false readings and consequently higher product waste. Salty products like bacon and even cooked hams can also impact a metal detector’s ability to distinguish between any metal contaminants, including stainless steel, that may have been introduced during processing and the false signal given by the combination of product attributes.

Rather than tuning into specific frequencies, the Interceptor splits and simultaneously analyzes the low-frequency and high-frequency signals. This enables the food metal detector to clearly differentiate between the signal generated by the product as a result of moisture or mineral content and any metal contaminant.

The result is a more reliable and accurate reading regardless of size, shape and orientation of metal particles. Independent tests reveal an improvement in detection capabilities of up to 100% with stainless steel, especially when inspecting traditionally difficult “wet” products or using metalized film during processing.

Learning and recalling the signature of any product with just one pass, the Interceptor ensures ease of use for all food processing operatives. With traceability a key requirement, the Interceptor features sophisticated data capture and Contact Reporter Software ensuring compliance with stringent North American meat processing requirements, including GFSI/SQF, BRC and HACCP,

Being IP69K rated, the Interceptor range is resistant to water ingress, maintaining hygiene and ensuring long-term reliability and performance in heavy washdown meat processing environments.

Also on display at IPPE will be the company’s hygiene-focused Meat Pump and Pipeline Metal Detectors, designed to assist meat food processors to optimize cleaning standards and protect consumers from cross contamination.

See all of the latest developments from Fortress Technology at IPPE, B-7712.

For more information visit www.fortresstechnology.com.

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