Evaluation of processing methods and visioning systems for Low density contamination

Summary

The primary objective of this project is to evaluate and test processing and detection methods aimed at eliminating low density foreign object contamination which may have inadvertently entered the supply chain.

This report covers all phases of the project from desktop study to the installation and commissioning of the low density contaminant vision detection system, including pre-production trialing and testing. Significant progress and learnings have been made by completing the installation and validating the system in its intended production environment.

Successful implementation of this technology will help reduce the risk of contamination in mince production and minimise the chances of major consumer hazards, product recalls, and reputational brand damage.

Objectives

The specific objectives of the project are:

• Desktop study exercise to determine available sensing technologies and processing interventions to detect and reduce or eliminate the incidences of poly entrapment.
• Develop and undertake travel plan and preliminary trial plans to evaluate sensing equipment with global technology providers.
• Commission selected equipment, test and validate over an extended period.
• Develop an internal business case for implementation of sensing and/or intervention technologies to reduce/eliminate the risk of low density polymer contamination.
• Present a report of findings on commercial testing and recommendations presented to senior management for long-term strategies to significantly reduce / eliminate low density foreign object contamination in red meat products.

Key findings

The MLA project team is extremely satisfied with the system's performance which resulted in a significant reduction in the risk of contamination to the mince lines.

Despite the introduction of the occasional false detections interrupting production processes, the system is helping to reduce the risk of contamination.

The total cost of $275,000 for the equipment would be outweighed by avoidance of only eight of the least damaging early detected incidents.

Benefits to industry

The positive outcome and experience with the DynaCQ system should be a strong case for adoption into similar applications within the wider Australian red meat industry.

All producers and brand owners will benefit from a reduction in the risk of contamination incidents in the Australian red meat offer to consumers.

The technology is simple yet effective and reliable. Its non-intrusive nature and small footprint should make it relatively easy to adapt to most existing production facilities.

Future research

Parallel to the in-depth knowledge being acquired on the DynaCQ system, the business will continue to gather information on other potential detection technologies. These alternatives, such as the recently presented X-ray imaging solutions by Rapiscan, remain of high interest and could be evaluated as part of this project, the innovations program, or be put forth as a new project application. It is critical that the project consider the combination of available detection method(s) to develop the best management practices.