X-Ray Inspection of Canned Food

X-ray canned food inspection for contaminants and defects

X-ray inspection of canned food and contaminant

Metal cans are one of the world’s most popular methods of preserving food due to their sterility, indestructibility and portability. However the use of steel cans (commonly used for food) and aluminium / tin cans (more typical for beverages) does not guarantee against packaging defects or contaminants.

Detect extremely small contaminants and identify quality issues in canned food

What can x-ray inspection detect in canned food?

X-ray inspection of canned food can accurately identify small contaminants such as glass, stone, bone and even metal in food cans – often without removing the cans from the cases.

Our advanced x-ray detection technology can simultaneously detect contaminants and identify common quality issues in canned food such as under-fill, damaged cans and manufacturing defects.

X-ray metal contaminants detection in canned food

AIS’ high resolution x-ray sensors can detect metal contaminants as small as a 0.4mm wire in a single can or 1.0mm sphere in the case.

Powerful detection

Glass, stone, bone and even metal within metal

Highly customisable

Single can or in-case inspection

Fast and cost-effective x-ray canned food inspection

Our x-ray inspection equipment allows very rapid inspection and turn-around to ensure your canned goods are safely back on the market as fast as possible.

When a potential recall incident occurs, AIS will provide an immediate response and assessment to solve your suspected problem.

ISO accredited

Certified to operate a Quality Management System

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Achieve compliance

Food safety standards: HACCP, TACCP, GFSI & GMP

We are ISO accredited to help manufacturers and suppliers achieve regulatory compliance including HACCP and TACCP.

Free sample inspection

Free, immediate and confidential evaluation

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Call our Rapid Response Service

01933 674 030

Ensure canned food quality and compliance with x-ray inspection

AIS’ x-ray canned food inspection service is also available for routine quality checks, at a simple per-unit cost.

Book a free and confidential evaluation or request a call back by our experienced team.

Potential recall crisis?

Our service is always fast and reliable

Routine quality checks

Available at a simple per-unit cost

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    Canned Food FAQs

    What size of contaminant can AIS detect within cans?

    What size of contaminant can we detect within cans?

    The size that we can identify is influenced by the thickness and homogeneity of the food or product within the can, as well as the contaminants’ density and position.

    Our highest resolution x-ray scanner (the Micron Scan) can detect a sieve wire of just 0.1mm in a single can or a metal contaminant of 1.0mm sphere when inspecting a case. It can detect glass fragments down to 1.0mm as well as stone, calcified bone and certain rubbers and plastics.

    We offer a free and confidential assessment to guarantee the highest accuracy for your particular problem.

    What contaminants and defects can be detected in canned food?

    What contaminants and defects can be detected in canned food?

    Many contaminant types and quality issues can be identified simultaneously using x-ray technology.

    Typical examples include:

    • Stone, glass, metal and bone detection
    • In-case inspection for filler nozzles and metal fragments down to 1.0mm sphere
    • Inspection of single cans for smaller contaminants down to 0.4mm
    • Damaged cans and manufacturing faults
    • Under-fill and low-sauce fill detection
    How reliable are the inspection techniques?

    How reliable are the x-ray inspection techniques?

    AIS has many years’ of experience in providing specialist x-ray inspection services. We are ISO accredited to help you achieve compliance for potential recall incidents, HACCP and TACCP.

    Over 95% of our business is repeat business from long term clients, mainly within the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

    Reliability can differ due to many factors. We will always give a clear and honest appraisal of what is achievable and be prepared to demonstrate that to you at any time.

    Request a Free Sample Inspection for AIS to evaluate your product and problem.

    Is there a risk in passing food products through an x-ray system?

    What is the risk of passing food products through an x-ray system?

    X-ray inspection which delivers a dose of less than 0.5 Gy to food products is permitted under EU Directive 1999/2/EC.

    The dose received by a product passing through an x-ray system is extremely low, typically for an x-ray linescan system it is less than 0.2 milli-Gy.

    For more detailed information please visit this European Food Information Council article, or see: “How safe is X-ray Inspection?

    Is the x-ray equipment for hire?

    Can I hire x-ray inspection equipment?

    Yes, some of our customisable x-ray inspection systems and metal detectors are available to rent at your premises. These can be hired, subject to availability, on flexible contract periods – usually for an immediate or short term requirement.

    Find out more about X-Ray Inspection Equipment Hire.

    White Papers

    Identification of Physical Contaminants (“Foreign Bodies”)

    Pinpointing the stage in the food chain at which contamination took place can require skilled detective work. Was it deliberate or accidental?

    This factsheet by CampdenBRI – specialists in science and technology for the food and drink industry – concentrates on identification of foreign bodies once they are found.

    Go to the CampdenBRI website

    How Safe is X-Ray Inspection of Food?

    How Safe is X-Ray Inspection of Food?

    People are right to be wary of radiation, but that doesn’t mean they should be concerned by the use of x-rays in food inspection.

    The use of x-ray inspection equipment is both highly regulated and increasingly common; this white paper assesses the safety of x-ray inspection of food.

    Go to the Mettler-Toledo website

    Read more about how x-ray inspection does not harm food in our FAQs.