Mettler-Toledo Safeline Publishes Guide to Building an Effective Metal Detection Program

TAMPA, Fla. — Mettler-Toledo Safeline has produced a comprehensive guide to metal detection specifically aimed at assisting the global food production and pharmaceutical industries.

Entitled “Reduction of Metal Contamination — Building an Effective Program,” this guide replaces the original Safeline Guide to Reducing Metal Contamination (known as “The Red Book”). Significantly updated, presenting current thinking and available totally free of charge, this latest document provides even higher levels of information than were contained in its predecessor.

Detailing every aspect that must be considered in the creation, implementation and maintenance of an effective metal detection program, the guide is clearly written, laid out in a logical fashion and supported by useful diagrams, charts and illustrations, the company said. Throughout the document, margin notes draw the reader to points of particular importance, while clear symbols indicate best practices, practices that could result in incorrect operation and records that should be generated in order to demonstrate the effective operation of the metal detection program. There is also ample space for the user’s own notes.

“The need for metal detection systems in the food and pharmaceutical industries is recognized by most manufacturers and processors as an essential area of focus in any efficient quality regime,” said Joe Gianfalla, marketing manager for Safeline. “In today’s increasingly competitive marketplace, new legislation, the tightening of industry standards and the growth of regulatory bodies has meant that the importance of being able to demonstrate that an effective metal detection program is in place has escalated considerably.”

“That said,” Gianfalla said, “merely installing metal detectors will not necessarily guarantee that a metal-free product is produced. For that to be achieved, those detectors must form part of an overall metal detection program. In producing this guide, we have ensured that manufacturers have access to the information necessary in the setting-up of such a program. An effective metal detection strategy can provide protection against product failure and recalls, help to maintain hard-fought supplier certification status and reduce overall operating costs. It can also support the ability to prove that reasonable precautions and due diligence have been applied in the manufacturing process in the event of a legal claim situation.”

Chapters one to four provide an overview of how metal detectors work, an explanation of important design features, an insight into those factors that could potentially limit performance of the equipment and the integration of metal detectors with effective rejection systems. The remaining chapters then provide comprehensive details into building an effective program. Issues covered include the reasons for metal detection, the prevention of contamination, selecting control points in the production facility, understanding operating sensitivity, and installation and commissioning.

The guide then concludes with information regarding the essential elements of equipment testing and validation procedures. These topics include: how to conduct tests, the correct handling of suspect and rejected product, the analysis of data and the electronic collection of data in enterprise-wide management information systems.

To receive a copy of the guide, contact:

Mettler-Toledo Safeline
813/889-9500
safeline.marketing@mt.com