Safe and reliable: the advantages of Retreeva's detectable pens in the food industry

Published on 26/01/2023 by Roy Bergemann

Safe and reliable: the advantages of Retreeva's detectable pens in the food industry

Our partner Retreeva is a company that develops and distributes detectable pens for the food industry. 

Safety and quality are critical in the food industry. To ensure that food is safe and hygienic, companies use a variety of technologies, including detectable pens. Detectable pens are specially designed writing instruments that can be identified in the event of contamination or a production defect. They contain magnetic or metallic particles that can be detected by metal detectors or magnetic resonance devices. This allows companies to quickly identify and correct potential problems before they impact food quality or safety. 

A common use for detectable pens is in the labeling of food containers. For example, an employee can use a detectable pen to write the expiration date on a container and ensure it is detected by metal detectors at the end of the production process. In this way, the company can ensure that only fresh food is delivered. Detectable pens are also used to mark repairs or changes to production equipment or facilities. For example, when an employee performs a repair on a machine, they can use a detectable pen to mark the date and type of repair. This allows the company to track the machine's maintenance logs and ensure that all required maintenance is performed.

Overall, in the food industry, detectable pens offer a quick and easy way to ensure the safety and quality of food products. They allow companies to quickly identify and correct potential problems and ensure that only safe and fresh food products reach the market.


Regulations and standards for detectable items in the food industry: 

In the food industry, there are specific regulations and standards for detectable pens to ensure they are safe and harmless for food consumption and do not contain harmful substances. One regulation is FDA (Food and Drug Administration) compliance: detectable pens used in the U.S. must meet FDA requirements and be safe and harmless for use in food packaging.


Retreeva pens differ from others by their special properties:

  • The pens are suitable for food industry applications because they are food safe and FDA approved.
  • They are made of shatterproof polymers to prevent splintering.
  • Retreeva pens are also available with gel ink. The gel-like ink remains fluid at low temperatures, making it suitable for applications in cool environments or sub-zero temperatures.
  • The pen's cartridge is designed to not jump out of position, making it less sensitive to damage, and it allows writing under difficult conditions, such as heavy pressure on the writing point.
  • The pens have highly visible ink indicators that make it easy to monitor ink levels and replenish the ink supply in a timely manner.
  • Metal nibs otherwise installed in ballpoint pens sometimes cannot be detected by X-ray equipment because they are usually made of alloy steel or other metal alloys that contain little metal. These alloys usually do not have the density or electrical conductivity of pure metal, which means they absorb less X-rays and are therefore less visible on X-rays. Another factor that can affect the visibility of metal nibs is the size and position of the nib in the pen. If the nib is small or positioned at an angle, it may be difficult to see it on X-rays. 
  • To avoid this risk, Retreeva does not use metal nibs in its pens. Their special design allows them to be seen on X-rays. Even without the use of metal nibs, they provide a firm writing feel. 
  • Retreeva pens can be personalized. For example, they can be imprinted with a company logo or serial number. This can help make it easier to identify the item and ensure it is returned to the correct owner. We also offer different color options. It is important to note that personalization options may vary depending on the model and requirements and contact us directly for the exact details.


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