All Eyes on X-ray for Big Box Retailers

Why suppliers to big box and warehouse club retailers are adopting x-ray inspection on production lines

5 mins

7 Mar, 2025

Mike Pipe, Head of Market Management

Food manufacturers are all subject to specific retailer requirements, and these often evolve over time. Several prominent big box and warehouse club retailers have recently stated that all of their suppliers must adopt x-ray inspection technology in certain applications. So, let’s explore why x-ray inspection is so important, and how the technology goes beyond contamination detection to also provide a range of quality and integrity checks.

In 2023, following a significant product recall, a major warehouse club retailer mandated that "operations must have a comprehensive foreign materials control plan in place for known and reasonably foreseeable physical hazards."

It goes on to state that ideally "manufacturers must also have a properly installed and calibrated x-ray detection device for finished products (with some exceptions)". Many other big box and warehouse club retailers are now following suit to help protect their brand and reputation, along with putting all possible measures in place to protect the health and wellbeing of consumers. These retailers want suppliers to adhere to strict quality control measures and are becoming more aware that x-ray inspection, for certain applications, is the best way to do this. X-ray technology can detect a range of physical contaminants, including metals, bone, stones, glass, plastic and rubber compounds. It can also carry out a range of product quality and integrity checks, from detecting broken or missing components, to checking for product trapped within a package’s seal.

X-ray technology helps prevent contaminated or poor-quality products from reaching consumers and triggering product recalls. Recalls can have a devastating effect on consumer trust, costing both retailers and their suppliers millions of dollars to rectify and sometimes causing irreparable damage to a brand’s reputation. Add to that the potential of lawsuits being filed and it results in a very real threat to businesses.

Supporting Suppliers of All Sizes

Many food manufacturers have already installed x-ray inspection technology on their production lines, so this new directive may not present a major issue. However, smaller suppliers who may not have considered x-ray as a Critical Control Point (CCP), might not know where to start when it comes to adopting x-ray inspection. If these suppliers want to continue their relationship with major retailers, they would be well-advised to partner with a product inspection expert who can assist them with selecting the right solution. At METTLER TOLEDO, we work closely with our customers to find the best integrated product inspection solutions for their needs. In addition, we have a worldwide network of service engineers to help keep systems running at peak efficiency.

In many cases, metal detection can also be a suitable option to adhere to these new guidelines. Metal detection is a sound choice when metal is the only likely physical contaminant along the production line. In fact, metal detection and x-ray inspection work exceptionally well together, detecting a fuller range of physical contaminants, while also conducting quality and integrity checks.

These big box and warehouse retailers expect x-ray inspection to be deployed at the end-of-line stage as a final quality and safety check for appropriate applications. Metal detection is still highly reliable as a CCP and tends to be installed earlier in the production line. Both technologies have their advantages and limitations, so talking to a product inspection partner with experience providing both will help manufacturers make the right choice.

Find out more about choosing between metal detection and x-ray inspection in our useful guide.

Metal Detection, X-ray or Both?

Test Before You Invest

With more changing retailer requirements on the horizon, seeking expert advice from an experienced product inspection provider like METTLER TOLEDO is a wise choice. We can support you further through product testing. We offer free product tests at all four of our Regional Support Centers. You’ll receive a detailed and comprehensive test report with the results, identifying the best solution(s) for your application.

If you don’t currently have the budget to invest in new product inspection equipment but are obliged to do so by these new retailer requirements, rental is a great option. We offer many of our product inspection solutions for rental on long- or short-term contracts, so you can test before you invest!

Find out more about our demo, testing, and rental services.

Test, før du investerer

Lots of major retailers are starting to recognize the essential role of x-ray inspection on production lines, and it won’t be long before they start making it mandatory on their supplier lines too. If, as a food manufacturer, you want to prepare for potential changes or get to know any of our product inspection technologies better, please contact us for more information. Discover the benefits of having us in your corner as seasoned quality control experts.

Discover X-ray Inspection Technology Today!

About the Author

Mike Pipe, Head of Global Sales & Product Management, METTLER TOLEDO Safeline X-ray

Mike has worked in both commercial and technical roles helping food and pharmaceutical manufacturers and brand owners achieve compliance, maximize productivity and drive consumer safety.

In this international strategic role, Mike works closely with local and global customers to understand their business challenges and applications to identify the most appropriate x-ray solution. His experience includes helping manufacturers to reduce the risk of product recalls, increase productivity and lower total cost of ownership.

Søgeforslag

All Eyes on X-ray for Big Box Retailers

Why suppliers to big box and warehouse club retailers are adopting x-ray inspection on production lines

Supporting Suppliers of All Sizes

Metal Detection, X-ray Inspection, or Both?

Test Before You Invest

What Does the Future Hold?

About the Author

Related Products and Solutions

Røntgeninspektionssystemer fra Safeline X-ray

Metal Detection, X-ray or Both?

Metaldetektering - Safeline

The X2 and X6 X-ray Inspection Series

Detektering af fysisk forurening

Søgeforslag

All Eyes on X-ray for Big Box Retailers

Why suppliers to big box and warehouse club retailers are adopting x-ray inspection on production lines

Supporting Suppliers of All Sizes

Metal Detection, X-ray Inspection, or Both?

Test Before You Invest

What Does the Future Hold?

About the Author

Related Products and Solutions

Røntgeninspektionssystemer fra Safeline X-ray

Metal Detection, X-ray or Both?

Metaldetektering - Safeline

The X2 and X6 X-ray Inspection Series

Detektering af fysisk forurening

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