Metal Detectable PTFE Tapes for Food Manufacturing

Last updated: February 2026

Metal detectable tape is a PTFE-coated glass fabric tape with an embedded aluminium foil layer that can be identified by standard inline metal detectors. It is designed for food manufacturing and pharmaceutical packaging environments where product contamination traceability is required under HACCP and food safety protocols.

GORTEF's Blue-MDT metal detectable tape features a PTFE/glass backing with aluminium foil and a pressure-sensitive metal detectable silicone adhesive, covered with a yellow protective liner. This metal detectable silicone-backed tape is used on heat sealing machines, form-fill-seal equipment, and blister packaging lines where tape fragments must be detectable if they break loose during production.

GORTEF Metal Detectable Products

MDT010AD.CB

Why Use Metal Detectable Tape in Food Manufacturing?

In food and pharmaceutical production, standard PTFE tape poses a contamination risk. If a piece of tape wears through or peels off the sealing jaw during production, it can end up inside a sealed package without being detected. Standard PTFE tape is invisible to metal detectors and X-ray systems, meaning contaminated products can reach consumers.

Metal detectable PTFE tape solves this problem. The aluminium foil layer embedded within the tape triggers inline metal detection equipment, causing the affected package to be automatically rejected before it leaves the production line. This provides a critical safety net that protects both consumers and your brand.

For food manufacturers operating under HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points), using metal detectable tape on all heat sealing surfaces is a recognised best practice for managing physical contamination hazards.

How Does Metal Detectable Tape Work?

The aluminium foil layer is sandwiched between the PTFE/glass backing and the silicone adhesive. This construction means that any fragment of tape — regardless of size — contains aluminium that is identifiable by metal detector equipment. The tape performs identically to standard PTFE tape in terms of non-stick properties, heat resistance, and adhesion, with the added safety benefit of detectability.

The blue colour of the tape also provides visual detectability. Blue is chosen because it does not occur naturally in food products, making any tape fragment immediately visible during manual inspection.

Metal Detectable PTFE vs Standard PTFE Tape

Metal Detection Standards and Compliance

Food safety regulations in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally require manufacturers to manage physical contamination hazards. Metal detectable tape helps meet requirements under:

• HACCP — Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points. Metal detectable tape addresses the physical contamination hazard at sealing stations.
• FSANZ Food Standards Code — Australia and New Zealand's food safety framework requires reasonable measures to prevent foreign body contamination.
• BRC Global Standard for Food Safety — Clause 4.9 requires that where metal detection is used, procedures must be in place to detect and reject contaminated products.
• SQF (Safe Quality Food) — Requires documented foreign material control programs, including detectable materials where possible.

Where Is Metal Detectable Tape Used?

Metal detectable PTFE tape is used on the same equipment as standard PTFE tape — wherever a non-stick, heat-resistant surface is needed on a machine that processes food or pharmaceutical products. Common applications include:

• Sealing jaws on impulse sealers, L-bar sealers, and form-fill-seal machines
• Blister packaging equipment for pharmaceutical products
• Tray sealing machines for ready meals and fresh produce
• Hot bar sealers for foil-laminated packaging
• Chutes, dead plates, and conveyor rails where product slides over non-stick surfaces

For non-food applications where metal detectability is not required, our standard PTFE heat seal tapes offer the same non-stick performance at a lower cost.