X-Ray Inspection Systems – Contaminant Detection for Food & Pharmaceutical Production
Our X-ray inspection systems are advanced quality control solutions designed to detect foreign body contamination and verify product integrity at production line speeds. Unlike metal detectors, which are limited to metallic contaminants, X-ray systems detect a far broader range of foreign bodies — including glass, stone, bone, calcified material, rubber, and high-density plastics — making them the most comprehensive contamination detection technology available for food and pharmaceutical production environments.
Beyond contaminant detection, modern X-ray inspection systems simultaneously perform a range of additional quality checks in a single pass: verifying fill levels, detecting missing or broken components, checking seal integrity, identifying damaged packaging, and confirming product count and completeness. This multi-function capability makes them an essential tool for any production facility operating under HACCP, BRC, IFS, or retailer-mandated food safety programmes. With high-resolution imaging capable of detecting contaminants as small as 0.5 mm, automatic reject systems, and full audit trail data logging, our X-ray systems provide the sensitivity, reliability, and traceability required for modern food safety compliance.
Key Features
- Multi-contaminant detection — metal, glass, stone, bone, calcified material, rubber, and high-density plastics
- High-resolution imaging detecting contaminants as small as 0.5 mm for maximum sensitivity
- Automatic reject systems with audit trail logging for full traceability of contaminated products
- Simultaneous quality checks — fill level, seal integrity, missing components, and product completeness in a single pass
- IP65 and IP69K protection ratings with stainless steel construction for washdown food environments
- Touchscreen interfaces with intuitive product setup, recipe management, and operator guidance
- HACCP, BRC, and IFS compliance with data logging, statistical reporting, and audit trail functionality
- Low X-ray dose technology for safe operation in food and pharmaceutical production environments
Common Applications
- Meat, poultry, and fish processing — bone fragment, metal, and glass detection in raw and processed products
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing — tablet and capsule inspection for broken product, missing doses, and foreign bodies
- Bakery and snack foods — stone, metal, and glass detection in baked goods, biscuits, and snack products
- Dairy and confectionery — foreign object detection in cheese, chocolate, and wrapped confectionery
- Ready meals and prepared foods — multi-point inspection for fill level, component completeness, and contamination
- Beverages and liquids — glass and dense contaminant detection in bottled and canned products
All X-ray inspection systems are sourced from leading manufacturers and are available with full validation documentation, IQ/OQ/PQ support, and UKAS-traceable calibration on request. Contact our team for a consultation on the right system specification for your production line and product range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an X-ray inspection system and a metal detector?
A metal detector detects only metallic contaminants (ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless steel). An X-ray inspection system detects a much wider range of foreign bodies including glass, stone, bone, calcified material, rubber, and high-density plastics, as well as performing additional quality checks such as fill level verification and seal integrity. X-ray systems are generally preferred where non-metallic contamination risk is present or where multiple quality checks are required in a single pass.
What size contaminants can X-ray systems detect?
Detection sensitivity depends on the contaminant type, density, product density, and system configuration. As a general guide, our X-ray systems can detect metallic contaminants from approximately 0.3–0.5 mm, glass from 1.5–2.0 mm, and bone from 1.5–3.0 mm depending on product and orientation. Sensitivity validation testing is recommended for each specific product and contaminant type.
Are X-ray inspection systems safe for food products?
Yes. Food X-ray inspection systems operate at very low radiation doses — far below levels that would affect food safety, nutritional value, or taste. The technology is approved for use in food production globally and is a standard requirement under many food safety and retailer audit schemes. Operators are protected by shielded enclosures that contain all radiation within the machine.
Do X-ray systems support HACCP and retailer audit compliance?
Yes. Our X-ray systems include data logging, statistical reporting, and audit trail functionality that supports HACCP critical control point documentation, BRC Global Standard, IFS Food, and major retailer codes of practice. Automatic reject verification and tamper-evident logging ensure full traceability of any contaminated product detected and removed from the line.
What validation and documentation is available?
Full IQ (Installation Qualification), OQ (Operational Qualification), and PQ (Performance Qualification) documentation is available on request, along with test piece sets for routine sensitivity verification. Contact our team to discuss validation requirements for your specific regulatory or audit framework.
