BERTOLINO FOODS STRENGTHENS FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS WITH LOMA SYSTEMS’ IQ4 FLEX METAL DETECTORS

Founded in Boston in 1961 as Frank Bertolino Beef, the company rebranded to Bertolino Foods in 2020 as part of a major transformation, which included relocating to a larger site in Peabody, Massachusetts. The move marked a new chapter for the business, increasing production capacity and allowing the company to expand from two production lines to nine, while continuing to serve foodservice, retail, and wholesale customers.

The expansion required the business to review its entire operation, with stricter food safety standards and increased pressures on staff and processes. “For us, scaling up wasn’t just about adding more equipment, it meant moving faster, managing more SKUs and having zero margin for error,” said Jim O’Toole, director of food safety and quality assurance at Bertolino Foods. “Certain areas of our operation had to function flawlessly and metal detection was one of them.”

With a growing product range that includes shaved steak, gourmet patties, turkey patties, and a new meatball line, Bertolino Foods required a reliable inspection solution that would integrate seamlessly into production. The company opted for Loma Systems’ detection solutions, installing eight IQ4 Flex Metal Detectors in its palletising areas, with a ninth currently being added.

Known for their reliability and ability to handle challenging product applications, the IQ4 Flex units have quickly proven their value. “The training was outstanding,” added Jim. “LOMA didn’t just show us how to operate the machines, they ensured that we understood how metal detection really works. That extra level of education makes a significant difference.”

The detectors have consistently ensured food safety across all lines, with powerful detection capabilities that locate even the smallest metal fragments. Their automatic stop function has prevented any production downtime, while uniformity across lines has made training for operators easier. The compact design of the systems has also allowed for smooth integration into existing workflows, supporting Bertolino Foods’ commitment to maintaining a clean, organised facility.

Loma Systems’ technicians collaborated closely with the Bertolino Foods team throughout the installation, ensuring each unit was correctly configured and operators received comprehensive training. “The installation went smoothly,” concluded Jim. “The team patiently explained everything, giving us complete confidence in the equipment and how to operate it.”

For further details on Loma Systems' range of metal detection solutions, click here.