Machine Learning to Identify Root Causes of Contamination
bioMérieux contact
bioMérieux recently launched GENE-UP® TYPER for use on its GENE-UP® system. GENE-UP TYPER is a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) solution for rapid pathogen detection that supports root cause analysis in the food industry. GENE-UP TYPER LMO for Listeria monocytogenes is now available worldwide for food manufacturers. GENE-UP TYPER enables rapid strain characterization of microorganisms. After a pathogen is detected during routine testing and strains are isolated in a sample, DNA is extracted and amplified with the GENE-UP TYPER-specific assay. The analytical result generated by the GENE-UP instrument is then transferred to the AUGMENTED-DX web application. GENE-UP TYPER defines a unique address identifying the strain, and groups identical strains into clusters. The web application then progressively builds a history of the strain clusters present in the factory, allowing traceback to the source of contamination for improved control of the production process.
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Holographic Microscopy Enables
Point-of-Use Sample Analysis
Honeywell contact
New Digital Holographic Microscopy technology from Honeywell leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to quantify and classify microscopic particles and cells. The technology uses light passing through a sample to generate unfocused hologram images, which are then processed by computational algorithms for interpretation. The solution features simple and portable instrument design, which facilitates testing and analysis at point-of-use rather than requiring samples to be sent to a lab. By using machine learning algorithms to differentiate between types of cells, it also eliminates the need for staining, which simplifies biological sample preparation. In addition, it can replace or supplement sample analysis, enabling faster results with a simplified workflow. Digital Holographic Microscopy can be used across a range of industries, including food safety and quality testing, with the ability to identify bacteria and parasites in liquid samples.
Durable, Easy-to-Clean Conveyor Range
Fortress Technology contact
Fortress Technology has launched a new, easy-to-clean conveyor range for the food and beverage industry. Rather than being made of many small parts, each Fortress conveyor has three main components: a deck with a motor and drive roller, an end roller assembly, and the conveyor belt. When the roller assembly is reinserted, tension, alignment, and tracking are instantly restored. The tool-free concept increases production uptime, while eliminating the risk of losing a part or a screw that could possibly contaminate food product. The company's Vector Sanitary Conveyor follows a similar concept, but features angled framing and open construction to withstand washdown environments.
Z-Shaped Belt Inclines to Seven-Foot Height
Multi-Conveyer contact
Multi-Conveyor recently built a mild steel, bolted-construction, Z-shaped incline belt conveyor for the transportation of snack crackers. Pre-baked goods start at a 26-in. top-of-belt elevation at infeed, and stainless steel guides then funnel the bulk product as it enters the vertical incline. Next, the food elevates on hygienic, food-grade Volta SuperDrive 12.5-in. blue polyurethane fabric belting to an 82 in.—or nearly seven-ft.—elevation, at a rate of 10 lbs./minute. Additionally, the 3-in.-tall scoop flight belting with corrugated sidewalls helps control loose product in flight. An angled stainless steel chute provides additional guidance at the incline discharge.
Advanced Carton Closer for Secondary Packaging
Syntegon contact
Syntegon's new Kliklok Advanced Carton Closer (Kliklok ACC) provides an efficient secondary packaging solution that ensures high-quality results with minimal rejects. Kliklok ACC delivers advanced features including servo-driven carton alignment and integrated controls, as well as tool-free changeover and the ability to process both cardboard and corrugated board. Built to meet diverse customer requirements, Kliklok ACC is suitable for various customer layouts, with cover-left and cover-right carton entry and exit options. With outputs of up to 200 cartons per minute, the carton closer can process a wide range of carton sizes and formats.
AI-Powered Pest Traps
Pelsis contact
BrightAI contact
Pelsis and BrightAI are bringing new AI-powered pest detection devices to a wider range of food facilities. A jointly developed solution transforms Pelsis' traditional insect light traps into around-the-clock smart detection systems. Powered by BrightAI's high-resolution cameras and advanced software, the smart traps instantly identify the presence of pests and provide alerts so that facilities can intervene before a full pest outbreak occurs. Additionally, data captured by the traps are used to train advanced AI models that can identify pest species and trends, allowing for tailored, pest-specific treatment plans. All data collected by the traps are housed in a web portal that allows pest control technicians or site managers to see any glue board in any factory around the world. The system also provides a mobile app that guides field technicians to specific glue boards and areas requiring intervention, optimizing response times to identify growing infestations before they become a problem. Pelsis Digital has been deployed in several large-scale food and beverage manufacturing facilities and grocery retailers across the U.S., UK, and Europe.
New and Improved Pipeline X-Ray System
Eagle Product Inspection contact
Eagle Product Inspection recently unveiled its redesigned Pipeline X-Ray System for pumped products, offering improved machine construction and built-in inspection technologies. Pipelines uses advanced PXT photon-counting dual energy X-ray technology for bone and foreign metal detection in poultry, meat, pet food, and other pumped products, with the ability to reject items before packaging or further processing with a lower false reject rate. The system offers flexible configurations and has unique features, such as a flowmeter with variable speed functionality, test ball insertion port, and reject catch port. Additionally, users can choose from multiple detection options, including single, dual, and photon-counting PXT technologies. Pipeline's construction also withstands harsh washdown conditions and has been refined to comply with North American Meat Institute (NAMI) guidelines for hygiene and sanitation. The system also fully aligns with the meat and poultry industry's Directives, Regulations, Norms, and Standards (DRNS).
