The latest meat packaging developments

‘Up to 600 sausages a minute can be separated and loaded,’ says Joalet. ‘Output can be adjusted as required, with a rotation speed of 30 to 60 revolutions a minute. If even greater volumes are required, it is possible to use several of these modules on one packaging machine, so that virtually any capacity can be scaled up.’

The MCF is available in both left- and right-rotating versions to facilitate a wide range of possible line layouts for optimum use of space. All the components are produced using the Multivac Hygienic Design system, which makes for easy and reliable cleaning.

The machine is the latest addition to a portfolio that includes vacuum packaging machines, traysealers, thermoforming packaging machines, labellers, quality control systems, automation solutions and turnkey lines. The range covers virtually all pack design, output and resource efficiency needs.

There are currently about 150 000 Multivac machines in use worldwide, with installations expected to continue at a rate of around 1 000 a year.

Cibapac raises the steaks in pouch packaging

South Africa’s best ostrich meat products are heading for the international market clothed in South Africa’s best pouch packaging. A new barrier pouch designed by Cibapac for optimum product protection and maximum shelf appeal is taking Klein Karoo Coop’s ostrich steaks to Belgium, to be marketed under the Boni Selection private label of the family-owned retail group, Colruyt Group.

Boni Selection, the Colruyt Group claims, offers a ‘clever range of products with a good price-quality ratio in modern packaging that is easy to find on the shelves’.

‘We collaborate with our customers to deliver products and services that exceed their expectations,’ says Cibapac managing director Ivan Ortlepp. ‘Our technically engineered barrier products extend product shelf life and we are driven by our continued quest to improve our products and provide more value for our customers. With our latest investments, we are able to offer the latest technology and deliver world-class packaging.’

The Cibapac range includes base and lidding, foam trays, overwrap cling film, seamless polony casings, barrier vacuum bags, barrier laminations, absorption pads, tray liners and dual ovenable bags.

‘We are privileged to serve all the main retailers and major players in the meat, poultry, fish, dairy and food service industries, whether their products are for local or international consumption’ says Ivan.

The company was recently awarded a BRC A rating at both its Cape Town and Gauteng factories, which denotes superior safety and quality certification programme and guarantees the standardisation of quality, safety and operational criteria.

Foreign bodies spotted

Ishida Europe is tackling contamination with a new range of x-ray (IX) inspection systems, which help food manufacturers and processors to comply with global safety standards and meet the demands of quality- and safety-conscious retailers.

Designed for ease of maintenance and stress-free operation, the range includes a robust, fail-safe system that prevents a contaminated product from reaching the consumer in the event of a power outage or breakdown, helping to minimise the potential for costly recalls.

‘With the IX range, we have harnessed the latest advances in imaging technology,’ says Ciaran Murphy, quality control business manager at Ishida Europe. ‘All models offer exceptionally sensitive foreign body contaminant detection and additional benefits such as the ability to identify damaged and missing products or components, helping our customers to achieve a rapid return on investment. High-quality product leaving the factory gate means quick commercial returns and safeguarded reputations.’

The new range consists of three systems:

• The IX-EN series, an affordable but highly accurate entry-level inspection solution for manufacturers of uniform products such as bread, dried fruit, sliced cheese, yoghurt, pastry and confectionery.
• The IX-GN series, which is able to detect pieces of stainless steel as small as 0.3mm in diameter, plus aluminium, glass, stones, rubber, dense plastic and shells. It is suitable for a variety of packed and unpacked products and includes a compact, built-in air-conditioning unit.
• The IX-G2 series, which provides the highest level of quality assurance to processors and manufacturers of complex products such as poultry, meat, vegetables and cereals. Its dual energy sensor detects low-density objects, from shells and stones to chicken bones, even in varying thickness or overlapping products.

Both the GN and the EN ranges use Ishida’s patented Genetic Algorithm (GA) image processing to deliver superior accurate inspection, with many standard GA settings already stored in the machines for a range of products and possible foreign bodies.

The IX series also offers products that are specifically designed for large packs or bottle applications.