Ishida top in independent X-ray evaluation

The recently launched Ishida X-Ray system has been confirmed as the best product for detecting contaminants in meat products, in an independent evaluation

The recently launched Ishida X-Ray system has been confirmed as the best product for detecting contaminants in meat products, in an independent evaluation by a major European food research institute.

This research facility for meat handling and slaughtering has recently undertaken an examination of X-ray inspection systems to get an update on the latest technology's capabilities in detecting contaminants in meat products.

Six major X-ray suppliers participated in the test with their equipment and were compared in terms of both detection sensitivity and consistency.

Two different meat products were used - 3.5kg pieces of chilled (4C) unpacked pork belly and 3kg pieces of chilled (4C) unpacked pork loin.

The contaminants tested comprised two types of hard bone, six sizes of stainless steel wire, five diameters of stainless steel ball, four sizes of plastic pieces and six sizes of glass pieces.

Each loin type was inserted with a random selection of the contaminants.

In order to get a reliable and valid sample size, the test meat was run a number of times through each competitor X-ray model.

Two of the six machines failed to meet the minimum inspection criteria and were eliminated from the test.

Of the four remaining machines, the Ishida IX-GA model came top in every test, showing a better rate of detection for all types of contaminants in both meat products.

In particular, the Ishida X-Ray was superior in detecting bone particles, a highly critical contamination issue for many meat products.

The Ishida IX-GA range can also focus on specific contaminants (such as hard bone) and use its unique GA (genetic algorithm) technology to increase the detection sensitivity for the most typical contaminants of a specific food item.

Ishida has supplied a large number of its X-ray systems in Japan for several years and the company is now introducing the technology into the European food market.

"We are delighted with our success in this independent test," comments Ishida Europe Marketing Director Paul Griffin: "These outstanding results show how Ishida X-ray technology offers a real solution for reliable and efficient quality control, helping to ensure consumer safety and minimise the harmful effects - and the associated costs - of product contamination".

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