Ingress protection (IP) is an important consideration in the food and beverage industry, but it can be mistaken for sanitary design. IP is used to define protection against liquids like water and solid objects including dust in durable equipment that can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns. IP ratings, such as IP69, are an indicator of rugged construction, but do not guarantee that a surface meets hygiene standards.
Sanitary design is broader in scope than IP, extending to many other factors beyond safeguards against liquids and dust. Machines with sanitary design can be rated as IP and also adhere to other sanitary standards, including NAMI, NS, ANSI and 3-A.
Understanding your product’s composition and characteristics is essential to selecting and optimizing x-ray systems for the best detection results. Detectors are available in single-energy and dual-energy configurations, each suited to different application needs. Single energy x-ray systems with line scan detectors are effective at detecting contaminants such as ferrous and non-ferrous metals, stainless steel, glass, bones, stones, and high-density plastics or rubbers in products with relatively uniform textures. For more complex products, dual-energy detectors offer added capability by distinguishing materials based on atomic composition. Download the X-ray Industry Report to learn more.
X-ray inspection systems play a much broader role today than they did a decade ago. While physical contaminant detection remains a core function, x-ray systems now contribute significantly to product traceability and regulatory readiness. What makes them uniquely useful under FSMA Rule 204 is their ability to capture detailed information at high speeds during production—data that can be stored, indexed, and retrieved to demonstrate control over every unit that moves through a plant.
This level of documentation is essential not just for compliance, but for accountability. Should a recall occur, the ability to trace a contaminant to a specific lot, batch, or supplier can significantly limit business disruption and financial damage. It’s also becoming an industry expectation: brands, retailers, and regulatory agencies increasingly want proof that food safety isn’t just a written procedure, it’s something that’s measured and monitored in real time. Download the X-ray Industry Report for more information.
Yes. Deploying inspection systems at multiple points along the production line enables manufacturers to trace issues directly to their source. For example, scanning incoming bulk ingredients or raw materials allows processors to detect contaminants before they enter further processing. If a foreign object is identified, it can be traced back to a specific supplier, lot, or shipment, helping isolate the issue quickly and prevent wider impact downstream. Real-time inspection data can also reveal recurring process patterns such as inconsistent mixing, equipment misalignment, or upstream product variability. Identifying and addressing these issues early reduces the risk of rework, product loss and regulatory noncompliance while strengthening overall process reliability. Download the X-ray Industry report for more information.
For comprehensive insights into x-ray inspection, check out our monthly X-ray Inspection Industry Report. Each edition features an in-depth interview with our x-ray inspection experts, addressing frequently asked questions related to technology capabilities, regulatory compliance, and overall food safety. Download the full report below to discover valuable answers and enhance your understanding of the latest trends and best practices in x-ray inspection.
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