Sterochef Blue Detectable Dressings

Dressings for the Food & Catering Industry

Any form of food processing of handling of food demands that the strictest hygiene regulations are enforced (Food Safety Act 1990).

Contamination on any scale entering the food chain is potentially disastrous and extremely costly; therefore every possible measure must be taken to reduce the risk. For that reason the Sterochef range has become the choice of food handlers and retailers worldwide.

Electro-Magnetic Detection

ideally suited for the food industry where the necessary detection equipment is operational. The metal strip positioned behind the lint pad is the key component for detection. A stray Sterochef can always be detected.

HypoAllergenic Adhesive

Acrylic adhesive ensures fewer skin reactions, less dressing changes and increased patient comfort.

A dressing designed for the food and catering industry. Each dressing is visually detectable by being bright blue and has a central dressing pad behind featuring an aluminium strip to ensure identification by metal detecting scanners. The hypoallergenic adhesive provides excellent skin adhesion and offers the wearer comfort. The stretchy blue polyethylene film provides an excellent barrier for the wound. (Box of 100)

Steroplast Blue Plasters

Food Safety Act 1990

“It shall be a defence for the person charged to prove that he took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid the commission of the offence by himself or by a person under his control.”

Hence Blue Plasters are widely used in areas of food preparation from sandwich shops to butchers to cake manufacturers.

Why Blue Plasters?

Because it gives high visibility amongst food where the colour does not naturally occur.

Why Metal Detectable Plasters?

To detect contamination in cans and foil packaging as well as cartons, trays etc.,

Sources of Contamination

a) Raw materials – wire in fabric
b) Personal effects – hair clips, coins, paper clips
c) Maintenance – swarf following repairs
d) In-Plant processing – metal slivers from knives

Steroplast Blue Plasters ARE:

• Visually Detectable
• Metal Detectable as non-ferrous. (The Steroplast Blue has an aluminium strip located behind the lint).

Steroplast Blue Plasters ARE NOT:

• Metal Detectable as ferrous (no ferrous component in the Steroplast Blue.
• X Ray Detectable (Steroplast Blues do not contain tungsten)
• Detectable when used in conjunction with food packed into aluminium foil trays.

The Detectability of Steroplast Blue Plasters

a) Sensitivity of the Metal Detector

Ideal setting should be to 2.5mm non-ferrous

Metal Detectors respond to:

a) Amplitude Detection Rejects when the signal exceeds a pre-determined level. Ideal for longer metal pieces

OR

b) Narrow zone/zero crossover

Rejects when any signal is produced

Disadvantage is that when several different size pieces pass almost together the signal from the largest piece fools the detector, which may miss the following smaller piece.

Factors affecting sensitivity

i) Type of metal

Iron is easily detected, stainless steel is not

ii) Shape of metal

Spheres are easier to detect than thin wire of the same metal – eg 1.5mm dia stainless steel ball equates to 1.6mm wire 8mm long for detection at the same setting.

iii) Orientation of metal in product

Due to the shape of the magnetic fields in a detector, certain parts of the field are more sensitive compared to others, therefore potential blind spots can occur.

iv) Environmental Conditions

A detector operating next to a hot oven, freezing tunnels or vibration affect sensitivity.

v) Product

Dry Products – eg cereals easy to detect metal
Fresh meat – creates an interference signal
Pickles – the vinegar creates a false signal
Treacle – very dense product high sensitivity required

To ensure metal detection at low sensitivities the setting pieces used are placed in the middle of products as well as on the product.

Therefore if changing from one type of product to another, the detector settings have to be changed due to the densities of the product.