What Is a Metal Detectable Label?
A metal detectable label is basically a label that is designed to be picked up and identified by metal detectors in industrial environments. They are used widely across various industries, but particularly in food production where the contamination of a food product by a label, or a piece of a label, would lead to serious safety issues and could cause product recalls, which can be expensive and damaging to a brand. Food production is also heavily regulated (HACCP, FDA, EU Food Safety depending on geographical location), and contaminated products can lead to fines and penalties as well as loss of certifications.
A metal detectable label is a specially engineered label that contains either metal particles or a detectable element (such as a foil core or backing, as used in Bluepoint’s metal detectable labels and tags). If a label, or part of a label, was to fall into a food product during the production process, it would then pass through an inline metal detector, where it would sound an alert and stop the production line, so that the contaminated product can be identified and removed.
Bluepoint’s Metal Detectable Labels
Here at Bluepoint Tags & Labels, we manufacture a range of metal detectable food labels designed specifically for the food production industry.
Typically, these are supplied as either as self-tie labels (also known as loop lock labels or keyhole tags) or self-adhesive tape. The self-tie labels have a foil core between two layers of a paper-based substrate, and the self-adhesive tape has an adhesive-coated foil backing. All Bluepoint’s metal detectable labels are designed to be printed on with a thermal transfer printer or written on by hand (metal detectable pens are available!) for clear product or batch identification.
Choosing the Right Label Material for the Right Conditions
Bluepoint Tags and Labels supply self-tie or loop lock labels in a choice of materials, depending on their intended purpose and type of food production they are being used in.
High Temperature Labels
For any food identification that involves cooking, a high temperature label will be required. Bluepoint supply high temperature food labels that can withstand short to medium term exposure to heat and are oven safe without degradation. Some of the features of these labels include:
• Oven metal detectable labels are EC no. 1935/2004 compliant
• Designed to withstand temperatures of up to 250°C
• Extensive size, colour and printing options to suit any production process
• FDA compliant options available on request
• Available pre-printed or plain for overprinting on site
Ambient and Freezer Labels
Many food production processes don’t involve cooking and instead are done at ambient room (or factory!) temperature, or even at freezer temperatures. Bluepoint can supply their labels suitable for ambient and freezer temperatures, and some of the features include:
• Designed to withstand temperatures from -30°C to 160°C
• Meet food safety compliance by preventing contamination
• Extensive size and colour range options to suit all requirements
• Easy colour-coded process identification
• Resistant to destructive substances and processes
• Self-tie/loop lock/ keyhole tags for fast easy fastening
Choosing Printers and Printer Consumables for Metal Detectable Food Labels
All Bluepoint’s metal detectable food production labels are designed with clear product identification in mind and can be written on by hand or on-demand printed using a thermal transfer printer.
As well as supplying a range of high quality, reliable labels and tags for food production, Bluepoint can also supply the right type of printer for your needs as well as printing software and a range of printer consumables such as printer ribbons and foils.
Contact The Bluepoint Team Today!
To talk through your metal detectable label requirements, or to order a new thermal transfer printer for your food production labels, speak to our friendly customer service team here at Bluepoint Tags & Labels. We’re happy to advise on the best labelling and printer options for your business, and you’ll only ever speak to a labelling expert.
To speak to us today, call us on 01392 927 030 or drop the team an email at sales@bluepointtags.co.uk.
