Putting extra care into convenience foods

JANSEN TECHNIEK has installed over 20 Fortress Technology conveyor and pipeline food metal detection systems at healthcare and company catering specialist Huuskes facilities in the Netherlands. 

Most recently, six ultra-hygienic, clean-in-place Fortress Stealth metal detectors were added to production lines to inspect over 15,000 meals prepared and packed daily at Huuskes. A further investment in two more Fortress conveyor metal detectors was also recently confirmed by Jansen.  

Failsafe and flexible

Huuskes’ extensive product range also includes special diet derivatives, including lactose, egg, nuts and gluten-free meals, together with protein and nutrient-rich meals for post-surgery clients. The company also utilises a number of different packaging formats, including bulk sharing meals for residential groups to smaller, individual portions to help minimise food waste. Some meals are even presented on returnable porcelain plates.

This broad range of different product recipes, preparation processes and portion sizes means metal detection sensitivity and single pass product calibration are important features for the company's inspection equipment, notes Jansen director Gerard Schuurman.

Metal Detection for Diverse Diets and Formats

Using digital signal processing, Huuskes latest Stealth metal detectors act as a critical control point at the end of six packaging lines. Each meal is top sealed and labelled, providing all of the legislative details, including preparation cooking instructions, expiration dates and allergens, before passing through the metal detector aperture.

Machine sensors feature at every step of the inspection process. As the ready meals feed into each Stealth metal detector at a rate of 30 packs per minute, an infeed sensor detects their presence. The infeed sensor also helps to ensure every product is presented centrally. This is important as it optimises the sensitivity and subsequent performance of the metal detector, added Schuurman.

If there is no contamination trigger, the outfeed sensor identifies the pack leaving the metal detector. Should a meal be rejected due to a potential contaminant, the reject sensor will track the removal of the potentially contaminated product into sealed reject bins beneath the machine conveyors.

Seamless Integration with Sealing Machines​

"It is a seamless and failsafe process. Each machine is equipped with Fortress Technology's own Contact software. This registers every sensor activity, error message and signal. For Huuskes, this data extraction simplifies their documentation process," Schuurman explained.   

To assist with the overall flow and layout, Jansen connected Huuskes’ new sealing machine seamlessly to the metal detector. The design team also installed a longer interlocked outfeed buffer conveyor. This assists with logistics, ensuring a continuous and consistent flow of meals which can be packed into containers without product accumulating or getting damaged.

Huuskes also relies on several Fortress Pipeline metal detectors in its meat cutting and meal preparation department. These are used mainly to inspect liquids, ground vegetables, and meat broths, as well as the traditional Dutch stews (stampots) which combine mashed potato with vegetables, sausage and gravies.

Hygienic Equipment for Allergen-Free Production

Adhering to the quality standards of HACCP and SkaL FSSC22000, Huuskes exemplifies best practice hygiene controls. “Given our end consumers, food safety and cleaning efficiency is even more vital. We take hygiene protocols and the general maintenance of our equipment very seriously,” stated Huuskes' convenience manager Geert Dimmendaal.  

Having Jansen Techniek as its local food safety partner means Huuskes never misses out on its annual system check, while the company can also request ad-hoc support from a Jansen service technician to help resolve technical issues.

The Benefits of Clean in Place equipment 

Additionally, the Huuskes team has been impressed by the Clean in Place features on their latest Stealth machines, which help save time and give employees confidence that the hygiene standards are being amply met.

The Stealth metal detector has a IP69k rating and the conveyor belts are designed to be cleaned without being removed. This shortens machine downtime and reduces cross-contamination, which is essential in the preparation of allergen-free meals. 

“Hygienic inspection machines further improve product safety. Customers are often amazed at how compact and user-friendly Fortress metal detectors are. Many are surprised that such sensitive electrical appliances can be cleaned under high pressure. The design and performance of the Stealth gives users real confidence,” Schuurman affirmed.

For more information: 

fortresstechnology.com

Tel:  +44 (0) 1295 256266