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Global expansion and major retailer suppliers
Our recent Expert Hub Blog titled, «5 Reasons to Invest in X-ray Inspection for Quality Assurance» revealed key motivators that influence food manufacturers when choosing x-ray detection systems as part of a comprehensive HACCP program to ensure food safety.
This article explores why you need to invest in x-ray inspection if you want to increase revenue by expanding your business to international markets or major retailers.
Global Food Safety Standards for International Markets
By ensuring the utmost safety and consistent quality of a wide range of food and beverage applications, x-ray detection equipment is essential for any food manufacturer looking to stay at the forefront in today’s increasingly competitive and highly-regulated global food industry.
As the safety standards of food manufacturers continue to come under scrutiny across the globe, certification to a food specific, Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)-recognized standard has become increasingly important.
In addition to helping manufacturers meet Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) regulations, a product inspection program that incorporates x-ray inspection equipment can help manufacturers achieve compliance with one of the following (GFSI)-recognized standards:
- The British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) Global Standard for Food Safety
- International Food Standard (IFS)
- Safe Quality Food (SQF) 2000 Code
- The Foundation for Food Safety Certification (FSSC) 22000
Although certification to one of the above standards does not guarantee food safety or prevent food safety incidents, it does provide a framework of checks that significantly improves the rigor of the audit process and reduces the risk of food safety failures.
Retailers Code of Practice
A growing number of major retailers and owners of leading consumer brands have also developed their own codes of practice, which must be adhered to in order to satisfy supply agreements. These vary considerably across geographical territories and the implementation of a formal x-ray inspection program is expected before supplier approval is granted. For example, food processor produce and pet food suppliers to Walmart have to meet strict food safety requirements that include obtaining a full GFSI certification and passing yearly audits by a company approved by Walmart Stores, Inc.
Installing x-ray inspection into a production line can therefore expand companies’ business opportunities to international markets and major retailers, as well as help manufacturers win new business from competitor suppliers who do not have product inspection systems in place.
In fact, many food and packaging companies are increasingly keen to tell their customers they are using x-ray inspection systems because it is seen as adding a higher level of quality and safety to a premium product.
