Snack Food Weighing and Analysis in the Laboratory 4 News Rapid Quality Control of Ready to Eat Dip Sauces Whether served with freshly cut vegetables, chips or with grilled meat or fish, dip sauces give variety to many dishes. On those hectic days, when there is no time to chop and mix, ready to eat dip sauces are the perfect choice The sour-cream based dip comes from a renown multinational food company, the recipe for moisture determination from METTLER TOLEDO. Meeting the Needs of the Busy Consumer Ready to use dips offer great flavor to today s busy consumers. Standardized tests ensure the safety and quality consumers expect. Moisture content is a key parameter for the shelf life of food products, and therefore a frequently measured parameter in the quality lab. Ingredients such as seasonings, herbs and granulated vegetables and, of course, the resulting dip, are checked at regular intervals with halogen moisture analyzers from METTLER TOLEDO. The reliable and fast results of the HR83 are highly appreciated. More Convenience for Pasty Samples Reference methods for measuring moisture in pasty samples are labor intensive and time consuming. The METTLER TOLEDO halogen moisture analyzers provide a much easier and faster method: Glass fiber filter pads, developed for the analysis of pastes and liquid samples, instantly increase the surface of a sample for rapid drying. A few drops of dip are distributed onto the filter pad and the measurement can be started without delay. The analysis is completed in only 10 minutes. Mrs. Langenbacher from the quality lab summarizes: The HR83 not only saves us a great deal of work and time, it also always runs perfectly. } www.mt.com/hr83
Hands-free Technology Efficient Weighing Process With Hands-free Technology Weighing of sticky or oily substances in the research of new food ingredients is part of your daily business, but how do you operate the balance or print the result of your formula without soiling the terminal? SmartSens and ErgoSens, the Optical Sensor for Hand-free Operations In the Food Industry, many recipes with various ingredients are weighed-in every day. Therefore, the balance in use not only has to be accurate but also very fast for utmost efficiency. Even the fastest balance needs to be operated, which is not easy when the hands of the user are frequently soiled with sticky substances. Key Benefits n Efficient and accurate formulation n Reduced sticky sample spillage n Minimized balance cleaning time n Flexible programming of hands-free operations n Up to four weighing operations with XP balances and a further two with XS balances Publisher Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory & Weighing Technologies Im Langacher CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland Production Laboratory Market Support Switzerland Technical articles Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory & Weighing Technologies Analytical Instruments 11794124 40.12 Subject to technical changes. Mettler-Toledo AG 07/01 Printed in Switzerland. Thanks to the revolutionary optical sensors SmartSens and ErgoSens, the Excellence balances offer a unique solution for hand-free operation. With a brief hand movement over the sensors, the programmed command is executed immediately. Two SmartSens sensors are standard on all Excellence Plus XP balance terminals, which can be individu- ally programmed right and left for every user and every application. When more operations need to be programmed, or when using an Excellence XS balance, it is possible to plug in up to two optional and freely standing ErgoSens. This means that up to four functions can be carried out simultaneously with the XP and two further functions with the XS! An illuminated green symbol shows all activated function/sensor relationships in order to eliminate any confusion } www.mt.com/xp-precision 2
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) Effective Food Packaging Improves Product Quality There is a growing demand in the snack food industry for packaging materials with higher barrier properties. Packaging materials used within the snack food sector include glass, metal, plastic and paper. The material selection often depends on the functionality, cost and impact on a brand name. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a powerful tool that assists in the development of superior packaging materials with greater barrier stabilities and significant production savings. Aspects of Plastic Packaging Plastics are commonly used to protect the contents of packages against adverse external influences such as oxygen and water vapor or conversely against the loss of ingredients from within the package, such as aroma and moisture. The type of packaging should also protect the food from physical damage and at the same time be used to communicate marketing and statutory information concerning the product. Figure 1 illustrates the complexity of a flexible packaging laminate and highlights the necessity to understand the contribution that each individual film of material (or combination of films) makes to the final packaging product. Packaging films or laminates are typically less than 1 mm thick. The DSC823 e differential scanning calorimeter helps in the development of packaging products with: n Excellent mechanical flexibility and strength n Desirable compatibility with the product n Barrier properties against the diffusion of gases n Optimum thermal stability (against high as well as low temperatures). DSC823 e differential scanning calorimeter The DSC heating measurements shown in Figure 2 were measured using the DSC823 e and evaluated with the STAR e software. They show the melting curves of the polymers most commonly used as packaging materials. It is immediately apparent that the DSC823 e has the sensitivity and resolution needed to characterize the different types of polyethylene and polypropylene, even with very small sample amounts. The materials used to make an effective food packaging product often exhibit different melting characteristics. The DSC823 e allows the rapid monitoring of raw materials, the evaluation of compatibility and quality control of the final packaging product. } www.mt.com/dsc Fig 1: A 5-layer packaging laminate Fig 2: Polyethylene and polypropylene melting curves measured using the DSC823 e 3
DL22 Food & Beverage Analyzer The DL22 Food & Beverage Analyzer Ensures the Taste of Swedish Fruit Juices and Jams The accurate and fast determination of citric acid in the production of food and beverages is important since it strongly influences the taste. Read on to experience how the DL22 Food & Beverage analyzer satisfies the requirements of accurate analysis and fast and secure operation in this environment. Strict Requirements for Titration Analysis in Food Production Titration is the analytical method of choice in the production of fruit juices or jams and these are only two examples of the multitude of products produced by Procordia Food, one of Sweden s leading food companies. The citric acid content of these products is imperative to taste and therefore to customer acceptance. To ensure constant quality, the content has to be determined accurately and quickly according to standard food regulations by various operators with different skills. An Ideal Instrument for the Production Environment I am deeply impressed with how easily the DL22F&B Titrator can be operated, says Göran Eng, quality assurance officer of Procordia Food. Since the instrument is used by many different people, it is of paramount importance to protect the instrument against unwanted changes of method parameters for example. This is provided by the routine modus of the instrument. Almost all samples could be analyzed with the respective standard method and parameter selection fast without any problems. Production assistants learned the operation of the instrument quickly and easily and were able to calibrate the electrode and determine the content with high accuracy right from the very beginning. Ensuring Reliability and Increasing Efficiency by Automation A short learning time for laboratory personnel, quick and intuitive operation and intelligent method parameters ensuring result reliability are decisive factors provided by the DL22F&B Titrator. Operation efficiency can be further improved with the Rondolino automatic titration stand the ideal accessory for the DL22F&B to realize the full potential of automatic titration right from the start. } www.mt.com/dl22fb 4
Calibrated Weights Calibrated Weights Ensure Consistently Accurate Weighing Results ISO9001 requires that measurement equipment like balances shall be calibrated or verified at specified intervals, or prior to use, against measurement standards traceable to international or national standards to trust display and measurement results and to guarantee the security of the processes. METTLER TOLEDO s ISO 17025 accredited weight service supplies such highly accurate and high-quality weights to support you in this matter. Why are Calibrated Weights for Balances so important? In regulated environments, accurate weighing results constantly need to be guaranteed and proven. This requires regular balance testing using calibration weights. A calibrated weight is the only accepted measuring device for this task as it can be traced back to an approved reference, ensuring traceability of your testing results. This because measurement equipment is sensible to working environment conditions and can drift with time. Traceable Balance Verification with OIML weights If analytical test results must be traceable, so must the weighing results in order to guarantee a reliable manufacturing process or quality control. Therefore balances need to be calibrated or verified. Verification means the confirmation that the user requirement specification is fulfilled. But furthermore, legal guidelines specify that all tests must be fully traceable and therefore only certified calibration weights can be used to be fully compliant. Calibration weights and relevant certification have to conform with OIML (International Organization of Legal Metrology) which includes clear documentation of material, density and nominal weight, ensuring traceability back to the original Kilogram Prototype stored in Paris. METTLER TOLEDO balance software also supports this process by memorizing up to 10 weights, including information on nominal weight, certification number and complete calibration test documentation. Regular Calibration and Verification Calibration and verification of measurement equipment needs to be realized at regular intervals to guarantee the reliability of measurement at any time. The specific calibration time interval is determined by evaluating the risk of the process and the frequency of use of the measurement equipment. Furthermore it depends on the user requirement specifications as for example the process tolerance. Regular tests of balances with calibrated weights are required to guarantee the reliability of the processes and to ensure the trust in the weighing results at any time. METTLER TOLEDO accredited weight services not only offer high quality calibration weights but also provide recalibration services. Your local METTLER TOLEDO representative will be pleased to recommend the necessary calibration weights and services for your balances. } www.mt.com/lab-compliance } www.mt.com/weights 5
Halogen Moisture Analysis Tomatoes Catch-Up with Moisture Analysis Technology For over 60 years, a family-owned food-manufacturing giant has specialized in freshly packed real Italian tomato products for use in Italian-style restaurants and pizzerias throughout North America. The products, which include spaghetti sauce, puree, pizza sauces and salsa bases, are available solely to restaurateurs through food service distributors. To address the challenge of manufacturing top quality tomato-based products, METTLER TOLEDO s moisture analyzer technology proved superior in assisting in an accurate, streamlined method of analyzing product moisture. The relentless commitment to producing highest quality products has set this foods company apart from other tomato product manufacturers placing them as a brand leader in the unique food service niche they occupy. To maintain product quality, they are a first-pack producer, which means that they only pack tomatoes during the tomato season, as opposed to remanufacturing products throughout the year. Remanufacturing the product in the winter requires diluting it and cooking it twice, thereby sacrificing quality. In the manufacturing process fresh tomatoes are run through a pulper finisher which accepts the seeds and skins to greater or lesser degrees, depending on the desired consistency of the particular finished product. Efficient and accurate machine operation is essential for maintaining product quality. Some competitors use vacuum ovens to analyze the moisture content in similar products. This technology is tedious work and the large ovens take up unnecessary space. However, as quality is paramount, processes are monitored for tight quality control from the raw materials coming in to the final product shipping out. In doing so, a product sample is pulled from the manufacturing line and immediately brought to the lab where it is analyzed to ensure desired moisture levels. The company chooses to use the METTLER TOLEDO HR83 Moisture Analyzer in their manufacturing processes. If product samples have too little moisture, they tend to produce a less than satisfactory product, samples with too high a moisture level tend to sacrifice quality of taste. Outgoing pulp must also remain within acceptable parameters. To address the challenge of manufacturing top quality tomato-based products, METTLER TOLEDO s moisture analyzer technology proved superior in assisting in an accurate, streamlined method of analyzing product moisture. The HR83 instantly met their needs for speed and 6
accuracy while monitoring the pulp finishers in the plant. The HR83 is a self-contained tabletop moisture analyzer readily adaptable for high production environments. The analyzer gives the company the advantage of superior measurement performance, automatic method development and quality management tools to better meet regulatory requirements. The combination of a precision-regulated halogen radiator, with trusted METTLER TOLEDO weighing technology, offers the tomato-manufacturer a best approach option to moisture analysis reproducibility. The AutoMet feature on the HR83 allows them to specify the reference point, then to automatically perform repeat sample runs until the optimum method is found to give the correct result for the given sample. Pulper finisher monitoring allows operators to know instantaneously that the product in the juice tanks and the evaporators contain the appropriate amounts of moisture. The unit also allows the operator to easily adjust the heat setting. In order to dry products at the temperature best suited for them, the HR83 features technology that eliminates burning when drying too quickly and crust formation when drying too slowly. The analyzer also alerts the user to any apparent difficulties and problems. Little to no training was necessary to operate the equipment when initially purchased. The team simply took the technology out of the box and began using it to improve product quality almost immediately. The purchase of a METTLER TOLEDO HR83 Moisture Analyzer has proven to be a smart investment for the food-manufacturing niche leader. Today, the product mix is at acceptable levels. The new technology has given the company enormous control over the final product. Our product is being produced at the highest level of quality possible, and this helps us to maintain customer confidence and our brand leadership position, offers the quality control manager. We weren t required to gather huge capital in order to purchase it either. We also have several METTLER TOLEDO scales and titrators in the plant, so we were already familiar with the name and quality of the product. Because of the technology s continuous, reliable and accurate performance, the quality control department confidently supports the use of the moisture analyzer. } www.mt.com/hr83 } www.mt.com/moisture 7
Amazing Solutions For Improved Productivity METTLER TOLEDO delivers powerful solutions that simplify work in laboratories around the world. Combining our state-of-the-art technologies with our applicative competence, we have a strong value proposition to make: accurate results and productivity second to none. One-Click Titration: Excellence titrators combine high applicative power with most efficient operation and unprecedented data security. Together with the Rondo 60 sample changer the analysis of liquids, pastes and resinous materials is made easy through automation! www.mt.com/one-click-titration Analytical Instruments Bench/Floor Scales and Terminals: To speed up production we offer a wide range of weighing indica tors and platforms with fast display readout, ergonomic design, and ingress protection up to IP69k. Our bench/floor scales and terminals are designed for applications such as receiving/shipping, recipe weighing or portioning. www.mt.com/industrial Industrial Weighing Solutions DL22 Food and Beverage Analyzer: The DL22 Food and Beverage Analyzer is a specialized titrator for the food and beverage industry. It includes the methods most commonly used in these industries, with predefined parameters, making the initial operation as easy as possible. www.mt.com/dl22fb Weighing Solutions XS analytical balance: High-speed weighing and a clean solution thanks to SmartGrid and ErgoClips for increased productivity and undisturbed routine operations. www.mt.com/xs-analytical Product and Package Quality Control: Compact and networked Statistical Quality and Process Control (SQC/SPC) Systems monitor, analyze and document product and package quality parameters and minimize overfilling. www.mt.com/sqc Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory & Weighing Technologies Im Langacher CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland XP precision balance: The XP precision balance is most useful for daily routine weighing of hundreds of substances every day. Its peformance is fast, accurate and reliable. Ease of use and fast cleaning are equaly important. www.mt.com/xp-precision Mettler-Toledo AG Analytical Instruments Sonnenbergstrasse 74 CH-8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland Your METTLER TOLEDO contact: www.mt.com For more information