Keeping food safe with vision inspection systems

Keeping food safe should be a straightforward task, but in reality, it has become increasingly challenging for manufacturers to meet safety and authenticity targets. One major concern is verifying that food labels are accurate as they provide vital information about what consumers are consuming. From ingredient transparency to allergen disclosure, accurate labelling is crucial for consumer safety and maintaining trust in brands. In this article, we will explore the importance of accurate labelling, delve into some key regulations and milestones, and examine the consequences of incorrect labelling on product recalls and brand integrity.

Labelling regulations for consumer protection

To protect consumer safety and allow for informed choices, regulations like Natasha's Law and labelling guidelines are in place. Natasha's Law, named after Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, a teen who died in 2016 from undeclared sesame seeds baked into a baguette, mandates that all food businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) provide clear and accurate allergen information on prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) food[i]. This law aims to protect individuals with food allergies and empower them to make informed decisions, avoiding potentially life-threatening situations. Manufacturers trading within the EU have to comply with the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulations (No 1169/2011)[ii]. The Regulation specifies mandatory obligations for all Food Business Operators (FBOs) that they must declare the presence – whether used as an ingredient or a processing aid – of any of the 14 major allergens[iii].

Additionally, the United States (US) has introduced updates to food labelling through the Food Labeling Modernization Act[iv], which enhances accuracy and transparency in providing information to consumers. These regulations, and many more, demonstrate a commitment to consumer health and foster trust in the food industry.

In China, food labelling is governed by the Administrative Measures of Food Labelling. Pre-packaged food must meet the compulsory national standards on pre-packaged food labelling (GB 7718-2011) and pre-packaged food nutrition labelling (GB 28050-2011). Overall, food labels must contain the name of the food, manufacturer details (name, address and contact information), production date, expiry date and list of ingredients.

Alongside existing regulations, throughout history, there have been significant milestones that have shaped labelling practices. From the introduction of the Pure Food and Drug Act in the US in 1906 to the establishment of the Nutrition Facts panel in 1994, these milestones represent ongoing efforts to enhance consumer protection and promote informed decision-making. Each step forward signifies a commitment to the safety and integrity of the food we consume.

No more incorrect labelling

Incorrect labelling can have serious consequences, leading to product recalls that pose risks to both consumers and manufacturers. Mistakes such as undeclared allergens or inaccurate ingredient listings can result in adverse health effects for consumers and damage brand reputation. Failing to provide necessary information jeopardises individuals with allergies or dietary restrictions, while also undermining consumer trust. Accurate and reliable product information is essential for making informed purchasing decisions.

To address the challenge of labelling accuracy, vision inspection systems and automation have emerged as game-changers in the food industry. These systems provide 100% label inspection throughout the production line. Equipped with smart cameras and advanced technologies, vision inspection systems capture and analyse label content, including allergen listings, expiry dates, barcodes and branding. Their high-resolution imaging and sophisticated algorithms leave no room for error.

100% Automation

The automation capabilities of vision inspection systems are hugely impressive, surpassing manual checks in terms of speed and efficiency. They accelerate production, streamlining product changeovers by storing multiple label or product variations for inspection that can easily be switched over within the software, minimising labour-intensive manual processes,  thus offering a cost-effective solution that boosts productivity and advances accuracy.

100% Packs and Labels

Vision inspection systems also provide comprehensive inspection coverage, examining labels from all angles, even on irregularly shaped products. They detect misaligned labels, smudged prints and other discrepancies that could compromise product integrity or regulatory compliance. By leaving no detail unchecked, these systems instil confidence in manufacturers' labelling processes and product quality for enhanced brand protection.

Boosting productivity

In addition to enhancing accuracy, vision inspection systems reduce the risk of product recalls, protecting both consumers and brands. By supporting compliance with regulatory requirements and providing accurate information on every pack and label, these systems serve as a strong defence against labelling errors. They contribute to increased uptime on production lines by minimising stoppages and reducing manual intervention, resulting in smoother operations and higher productivity.

Vision inspection systems also offer the flexibility to be combined with other inspection technologies, such as checkweighers, which can then also be added to x-ray inspection or metal detection technology. These combinations and integration provide space-saving benefits, streamlining workflows and offering comprehensive inspection coverage over multiple production lines.

Due diligence

Innovative vision inspection systems importantly support due diligence in the food industry. Manufacturers can monitor the labelling process in real-time, capturing valuable data and supporting compliance with regulations. Integration with software solutions like ProdX™ data management software enables traceability, digitalisation and access to insights that enable proactive decision-making and uphold the highest standards of quality and safety.

Conclusion

Vision inspection systems are revolutionising the food industry with 100% label inspection and process automation. Unlike traditional manual spot checks, these systems offer unparalleled accuracy and assurance. By installing smart cameras on existing product lines, manufacturers can confidently meet safety standards and evolving regulations. The integration of vision inspection systems with existing equipment and processes also brings cost advantages. By combining consumer safety and cost-effectiveness, vision inspection systems provide a compelling solution that meets the demands of consumers and manufacturers alike and leads to enhanced food safety at a time when it has never mattered more.

Author - Neil Gruettner, VI business development manager, Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection

[i] https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/introduction-to-allergen-labelling-changes-ppds

[ii] https://food.ec.europa.eu/safety/labelling-and-nutrition/food-information-consumers-legislation/nutrition-labelling_en

[iii] https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/allergen-guidance-for-food-businesses

[iv] https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2901/text/ih