US-based precision healthcare equipment provider Thermo Fisher Scientific has unveiled a new X-ray detection platform, designed to allow food processors to meet the demand for thorough inspection for product contamination.

Equipped with intuitive software, the Thermo Scientific NextGuard system combines three attributes including the performance, simplicity-of-use and price point-to make X-ray product detection reasonable for applications in food and pharmaceutical industries.

It is based on Thermo Fisher testing and offers up to 50% better detection sensitivity compared to the company's previous X-ray system, the EZx.

Thermo Fisher metal detection and X-ray inspection lead product manager Bob Ries said X-ray detection addresses various customer concerns, including rising HACCP standards and requirements for X-ray inspected product from retailers.

"Additionally, we are seeing an increased use of metalized film packaging, which is problematic for metal detectors," Ries said.

The NextGuard, which can modify, test and change detection parameters on the fly, features a wraparound detector intended to reduce blind spots, and comprises built-in internet remote support hardware and software.

The first model of the series is the NextGuard C330, which is designed for packaged product contaminant detection and complements the existing mid- and high-end Thermo Scientific Xpert and POWERx X-ray inspection systems.