Plastic scraper can be found by metal detectors

The special plastic, called Detectamet, allows food processors to ensure that commonly used articles, such as pens or clipboards, can be removed from foods that have accidentally contaminated either through human error or because pieces have been broken off without being noticed.

The plastic helps manufacturers comply with the new EU hygiene regulations coming into force on 1 January.

UK-based E-Components & Chains' flexible hand scraper includes a tapered leading edge for the cleaning and the removal of foreign bodies from machines and belts used in food plants.

The scraper can be used in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 80°C, said its manufacturer UK-based E-Components & Chains. The impact-resistant scraper is available in blue, yellow, green, and red.

Detectamet is injection moulded into a non-toxic, non-fibrous grade of polypropylene that has a metal-based additive so that fragments as small as a 2mm cube (weighing 0.01 g) can be detected and rejected, depending on the metal detection equipment used and its operating parameters.

The high-impact material is "shatterproof and virtually unbreakable", which, in itself, helps to reduce the risk of any fragments entering the food product, the company stated.

The finished articles are approved for direct food contact under EU Directive 90/128/EEC rules and by the US's Food and Drug Administration.

The most popular product developed by the company using the plastic so far is Detectamet pens. The company has also developed a stylus for use with personal digital assistants, scoops, stirrers, shovels, buckets, cutters, knives, cups and clipboards. For machinery and process applications there are also Detectamet rubber sheeting, rubber extrusions O-ring seals and belting.

E-Components says it usually develops the products at the request of customers in the food and pharmaceutical industries.