Leaving No Stone Unturned: How Fanchi-tech’s FA-XIS Series Secures Askew & Barrett’s Premium Packaged Pulses

For Askew & Barrett, a UK-based leader in dried pulses established in 1982, premium quality isn’t just a slogan—it’s the foundation of their reputation across Europe, the Middle East, Japan, and beyond. Processing over 200 tons of peas and beans daily to supply major food manufacturers like Premier Foods, their commitment to 100% contaminant-free products faced a critical challenge: ensuring the small-packaged pulses reaching retail shelves were free from the tiny stones, metal fragments, and non-metallic impurities that even advanced destoners could miss. That’s when they turned to Shanghai Fanchi-tech Machinery Co., Ltd. and the FA-XIS Series X-ray Inspection Systems—tailor-made for small-packaged food applications.
“Over the last five years, HACCP and food safety regulations have tightened considerably, and we need to stay ahead of every change,” explains Darryl Askew, Joint Owner of Askew & Barrett. “Our destoners handle 99.9% of issues, but that 0.1%—a tiny stone or piece of glass in a 500g pouch of green peas—could damage our brand irreparably. We needed a solution designed specifically for small packages, not bulk materials, and that’s exactly what Fanchi-tech delivered.”
Unlike bulk-focused X-ray systems, the FA-XIS Series is engineered to optimize inspection for small packaging formats—from stand-up pouches and resealable bags to compact PET containers, the very formats Askew & Barrett relies on for their retail and export lines. Its precision-engineered detection tunnel, measuring 620mm (W) x 330mm (H), accommodates the full range of the company’s small-packaged products while maintaining exceptional sensitivity. The system’s advanced image processing technology identifies not just metallic contaminants like needle fragments or wire, but also non-metallic hazards including stones, glass shards, calcified bone, and high-density plastics—all of which can blend visually with pulses in packaging.
For production lines that move at Askew & Barrett’s pace, speed and usability are non-negotiable. The FA-XIS Series delivers on both fronts. Equipped with high-speed USB sensors and an intuitive graphical touchscreen interface, the system integrates seamlessly into existing packaging lines without causing bottlenecks. Operators can set up inspection parameters for different products—from Premium Green Peas to Export-Grade Red Kidney Beans—in minutes, with pre-programmed settings for common pulse packaging formats.
“The FA-XIS system is a game-changer for our small-pack operations,” says Shane Legge, Senior Plant Manager at Askew & Barrett. “We’ve integrated it right after our packaging stations, and it catches everything. What impresses me most is its consistency—whether we’re running 800g chickpea pouches or 1kg mixed bean containers, the detection remains sharp, and the automatic reject system ensures contaminated packages are separated instantly. It’s easy to use, requires minimal training, and fits perfectly in our production space—something bulk systems simply couldn’t offer.”
Beyond detection, the FA-XIS Series adds value by addressing secondary quality concerns critical to small-packaged products. Its advanced software can verify fill levels, check for missing labels, and even detect seal defects—issues that matter for consumer trust and compliance with international packaging standards. For Askew & Barrett, this means a single system handles both safety and quality control, reducing operational complexity and cost.
The partnership extends beyond equipment supply. Askew & Barrett also leverages Fanchi-tech’s comprehensive after-sales support—including remote troubleshooting, on-site maintenance, and training programs—ensuring maximum uptime for their critical inspection processes. “We reached out to several suppliers who saw us as ‘just a small processor in Wisbech’,” Darryl Askew recalls. “Fanchi-tech was different—they listened to our specific small-pack needs, customized the FA-XIS setup to our lines, and responded quickly whenever we had questions. That level of dedication gave us complete confidence.”
Today, Askew & Barrett’s small-packaged pulses bear the invisible stamp of FA-XIS inspection—a guarantee that has strengthened their position in premium markets worldwide. From the UK’s supermarket shelves to export destinations in Asia and South America, their customers know that a package from Askew & Barrett is not just high-quality, but rigorously inspected by a system built for the job.
At Shanghai Fanchi-tech Machinery Co., Ltd., we specialize in developing X-ray inspection solutions that meet the unique needs of food manufacturers. The FA-XIS Series is a testament to our commitment to precision, usability, and customer-centric design—whether you’re producing small-packaged pulses, snacks, or prepared foods.
To learn how the FA-XIS Series can secure your small-packaged food products and strengthen your brand reputation, contact Kerry Wang, our dedicated sales director, at fanchitech@outlook.com or visit our website at www.fanchitechnology.com. Let Fanchi-tech help you leave no stone unturned in protecting your products and your customers.