Foreign bodies-metal, glass, hard plastic, rubber, and other extraneous materials-remain a leading cause of physical hazard complaints and recalls across both human and pet food. Unlike inherent product characteristics, these hazards are preventable yet can be introduced at any point: incoming ingredients, processing equipment wear, packaging damage, or handling and distribution. This webinar provides a practical, end to end playbook for (1) anticipating foreign body risks through process and design hazard analysis, (2) selecting fit for purpose detection and removal controls (e.g., magnets, screens, metal detection, X ray, vision), and (3) responding when a suspect contaminant is found-containment, characterization, risk evaluation, disposition, and communication aligned with regulatory expectations. Attendees will leave with decision frameworks and cross functional roles to reduce incidents and protect consumers, pets, and brand trust.
Learning Objectives By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
1. Identify common foreign body types and typical points of entry across human and pet food supply chains.
2. Differentiate detection/removal technologies (e.g., magnets, screens, metal detection, X ray, vision) and describe key strengths and limitations for each.
3. Apply a structured incident response workflow to contain, characterize, and evaluate risk when foreign material is suspected or confirmed.
4. Define cross functional roles and communication triggers that support timely disposition decisions and external notifications when needed.
