Primary Vs Secondary Packaging Inspection in the Food Industry

X-ray inspection systems deployed at critical control points (CCPs) as defined in the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines can reduce or eliminate foreign object contamination by accurately detecting contaminated products and removing them from the supply chain prior to distribution. For manufacturers, the key question then becomes where the X-ray inspection points should be placed — after the product has been sealed in its primary packaging, or once products have been consolidated into cases or other secondary packaging units. While the latter appears to present some installation and cost advantages by reducing the number of X-ray inspection points required, primary packaging inspection has proven to be a more reliable and cost-effective strategy. This white paper will outline the pros and cons associated with primary vs. secondary packaging X-ray inspection strategies.