INDIA/MIDDLE EAST – A new partnership between Safe Automations Group and Food Radar Systems AB is introducing microwave-based contamination detection technology to food manufacturers across India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The agreement positions Safe Automations as the regional partner responsible for deploying and supporting the system in markets where food processing capacity is expanding.
The collaboration was formalized at Food Radar Systems’ headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, bringing together leadership from both companies to outline a regional rollout strategy focused on inline food safety inspection.
Different approach to detecting contaminants
The technology at the center of the agreement uses microwave sensors to identify foreign materials in food during production. Unlike conventional X-ray or metal detection systems, which rely on density or conductivity, this system detects contaminants based on how materials interact with electromagnetic waves.
Different materials respond differently when exposed to microwaves. The system reads these differences to identify unwanted substances inside food products as they move through processing lines. This allows detection of a wider range of contaminants, including plastics, rubber, wood, fruit fragments, stones, and metals, even when they are low in density or difficult to identify using traditional tools.
The detection process takes place in real time and does not require stopping production. Food products continue moving through the line while being scanned, reducing the need for manual sampling or batch testing.
Integration into existing production lines
The system is designed to operate inline, meaning it can be installed directly into existing processing equipment. This allows manufacturers to monitor products continuously without interrupting operations.
The technology is particularly suited for liquid and semi-solid foods, such as sauces, dairy products, and emulsions that contain particles. These product types often present challenges for traditional inspection systems, which may struggle to differentiate between the product itself and potential contaminants.
By enabling continuous monitoring, the system reduces the likelihood of contaminated products progressing further along the supply chain. It also minimizes product waste, as fewer batches need to be discarded due to uncertainty in contamination detection.
Expansion into high-growth food manufacturing markets
The partnership targets India and GCC countries, where food manufacturing is expanding due to policy-driven investment and changing consumption patterns. Governments across the Gulf region are increasing domestic food production capacity as part of national food security strategies.
Programs such as Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051 are supporting the development of local food industries, including processing and packaging infrastructure.
In India, growth in the food processing sector is being supported by initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive Scheme. At the same time, regulatory oversight by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is increasing attention on contamination control and product quality.
These developments are driving demand for inspection systems that can meet both domestic regulatory requirements and export market expectations.
Regional deployment and support structure
Under the agreement, Safe Automations Group will oversee deployment, system integration, and ongoing support. This includes installation, calibration, operator training, and maintenance services across multiple countries in the GCC and India.
The company’s existing footprint in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and India provides the operational base for introducing the technology into different manufacturing environments.
Food Radar Systems will supply the detection platform and continue developing the underlying technology, which is already in use among food manufacturers in several markets.