Food safety standards are usually quite strict, and regulatory authorities end up canceling an organization’s operating license if they do not adhere to the safety norms. Hence, if you own a food processing unit, you must pay adequate attention to the food packaging. So, if you are planning on installing a new food packaging machine, it is essential that you make a personal visit to the food packaging machine manufacturer to understand how the machine works.
Packing Food Safely In A Packaging Unit
Now, the packaging machine in a food processing unit can be of different types. There are machines for packaging chocolate bars, filling biscuits in cartons, and even those that pack milk in bottles. However, all these machines have certain components or parts that ensure that the packets are sealed properly and that the safety standards are maintained.
The components or parts of a food packaging machine and how they contribute to making the food safe are discussed in this blog post.
The Feeder Of The Packaging Machine
The feeder of a food packaging machine is the main port through which the food enters. The feeder has a hood or a cover to protect against dust. Moreover, all the functions of the feeder, such as sorting (based on shape or size), stacking, etc, are performed without any human intervention. This means that there is no manual processing, so any change of contamination (with bacteria or fungus) via human touch is prevented.
A Photoelectric Detection Device
A photoelectric detection device basically acts as a sensor in the food packaging machine. The sensor can detect the glossy packaging material, the color of the packaging material, etc. Now, the sensor helps figure out whether the sealing has been perfect or not. If the flaps are in an upward position instead of downward or vice versa, the photoelectric device can detect these problem areas. So, these photoelectric sensors help detect problematic packaging and help keep up the safety standards in a food packaging unit.
Seal Adjustment Knobs
Food packaging units have seal adjustment knobs that ensure that the sealing of packets is not compromised at any point. The adjustment knobs help in regulating the amount of air that is filled in the packet when it is sealed. The adjustment knobs can be used to change the amount of air filled in the pacers as per the requirement so that the packaged food does not get spoiled. The sealing apparatus, along with the adjustment knobs, ensure that there is no scope for any leakage and that the food does not lose shelf life due to faulty packaging.
Final Words
Food packaging units are a critical component of food processing plants, and they help maintain the safety and quality of food. Well-packaged food lasts for a long time and also passes all the quality checks laid down by the food safety officers. So, if you want your food processing plant to produce good-quality food and have a great market reputation, you must invest in a good food packaging machine.
