Key Technology

US-based process automation systems manufacturer Key Technology has announced the availability of a new white paper aimed at informing processors on how to effectively identify and remove foreign material when sorting fresh-cut produce.

The report, 'The State of the Industry Report: Sorting Fresh-Cut Produce', is intended to aid processors in the selection of the right produce sorter for their specific applications, weighing up the benefits of different cameras, lasers and wavelengths.

'Tightening restrictions on pesticide use and the growth of organic products are making defects more common, while the scarcity and cost of labour and consumers' increasing scrutiny of fresh-cut product quality is rising,' the group said in a statement. 'Given these market dynamics, processors are looking to improve inspection. Learning how technology can be leveraged to better remove defects and foreign material, processors can maximize product quality and food safety while reducing labour costs and improving operating efficiencies.'

Meanwhile, Key Tech's fresh-cut industry manager will deliver a presentation entitled 'Optical Inspection' at the Freshconex Congress, which takes place in Berlin, Germany on 6 February 2009.