Under BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9, foreign body contamination controls are concentrated in Clause 4.9 (control of foreign materials) and Clause 4.10 (detection and removal equipment). In the US, FSMA’s Preventive Controls for Human Food (21 CFR 117) requires a documented hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls for physical hazards, with training and records to prove effectiveness. Together, these frameworks expect a risk-based programme/program backed by validated equipment checks, verified at defined frequencies, and trended over time.

In the relentless pursuit of food safety, manufacturers often focus heavily on metal detection—and for good reason. Metal contaminants pose significant risks and are a common concern. However, a truly robust food safety program recognizes that metal is just one piece of the puzzle. Foreign objects can come in many forms, and a comprehensive strategy requires looking beyond metal to embrace a multi-layered approach to detection.

In the fast-paced world of food manufacturing, efficiency is paramount. Every minute of downtime, every rejected product, directly impacts the bottom line. While metal detectors are crucial for safeguarding food safety, they can sometimes be a source of frustration due to phenomena like "product effect" and the resulting false rejects. The good news? Advanced metal detection technologies are specifically designed to overcome these challenges, leading to significant improvements in food processing efficiency.

In tightly regulated food manufacturing, small details can make or break contamination control. Everyday stationery—especially pens—poses risk if unmanaged. BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 9 expects sites to control such items via risk assessment, detectable designs, and robust traceability. Using compliant, detectable pens on the line strengthens audit readiness and protects consumers.

In the food industry, relying only on end-of-line inspection is a risky bet. Metal detectable products - pens, cable ties, scrapers, gaskets, even earplugs - are engineered to be visible to foreign body detection systems if they ever chip, wear, or go missing. Used correctly, they turn food safety from reactive to proactive, boosting contamination prevention and overall food processing safety.