Why Magnetic Separation and Metal Detection is Vital for HACCP & Supplier Audits

One of the greatest challenges to processing industries is ensuring maximum integrity of the finished product. Failure to do so could have disastrous consequences, such as:

• Injury or harm to the consumer
• Expensive product recalls or scrappage or penalty clauses
• Damage to the brand and corporate reputation
• Production stoppages or process downtime
• Damage to process equipment

Hazard & Critical Control Points (HACCP)

HACCP analysis is an internationally recognised system for identifying potential risks and implementing preventative measures to eliminate or minimise hazards. This involves:

• Conducting hazard analysis
• Identifying critical control points
• Establishing critical limits
• Establishing monitoring processes
• Establishing corrective actions
• Maintaining maintenance and incident records

Read our guide to magnetic separators

Product Safety Management & Supplier Audits

It is the responsibility of processors to ensure that the end product; be it food, pharmaceutical, chemical or any other produce, is safe and of good quality. Many retailers now audit their suppliers' safety management systems in line with EU Regulation 852/2005 and ISO 22000. The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) has also specified a number of food safety management systems including SQF, FSA, BRC, FDA, FSSC 22000.

Process Contamination Risks

Process contamination risks come in many forms. The main groups include biological hazards (such as bacteria or viruses), chemical hazards (such as pesticides, additives and allergens) and physical hazards (such as metal, glass and plastics).

HACCP and Metal Contamination

Metal is a common type of contamination in processing industries such as food, pharmaceutical and chemical. It can enter the process through incoming ingredients, equipment wear, or even human error. Typical metal contamination can include screws, bolts, broken machine parts, screen wire, metal tags or fine particle surface wear. Effective separation systems are, therefore, a vital part of HACCP plans, providing protection for consumers, process equipment, and brand or retailer reputation.

HACCP and Separation and Detection

A robust HACCP system with high quality metal separation and detection systems gives many advantages:

• Allows monitoring of incoming goods from suppliers
• Prevents metal contamination from entering the process
• Gives and early indication of machine wear or failure
• Having control points reduces unplanned maintenance and disruption

Explore more related topics to Magnetic Separation 

• A Guide to Magnetic Separation in the Food Industry (Free On-Demand Webinar)
• Guide to Selecting the Right Magnetic Separator 
• Magnetic Separators in the Sugar Industry
• Magnetic Separators in Chemical Processing
• Magnetic Separators in Virgin & Recycled Plastic Industry

For more information, please contact us  or read more about our range of magnetic separation and  metal detection products