One of the most common questions we receive about retractable pens is whether a spring-free design affects the overall operational experience.

It is a reasonable concern. Without the traditional metal spring, users may expect the pen mechanism to feel stiffer, less responsive or simply less comfortable to write with. In a busy food production environment, where pens are used frequently throughout the day, even a small compromise in performance could be frustrating for employees and potentially affect efficiency.

Performance is therefore an important consideration when choosing a spring-free pen, alongside food safety, foreign body prevention and audit compliance.

So, what is it actually like to write with a spring-free pen?

When teams move from standard retractable pens with traditional springs to a springless option, we sometimes hear initial comments from operatives that they find the springless mechanism more rigid to use. This is usually due to the difference in how the mechanism works, which quickly becomes second nature to the operative.

Spring-free pens can vary considerably in how they feel to write with. Some designs can feel slightly firmer because they do not have the cushioning effect of a conventional coiled spring. Others can have the opposite problem. Because the nib is not held firmly in position by a spring, it can move or retract slightly when pressure is applied. This can make writing feel less consistent and, in some cases, affect ink flow.

Retreeva detectable pens have been specifically designed to overcome these issues.

Rather than relying on a metal spring to hold the nib securely in place, Retreeva uses a unique cartridge suspension system. This provides the firmness and stability needed for a confident writing experience, while eliminating the need for a metal spring. The result is a pen that feels secure and responsive when writing, without compromising the benefits of a spring-free design.

This is complemented by a high quality European ink cartridge featuring a tungsten carbide ball, which provides smooth and consistent ink flow.

So, while the writing experience of spring-free pens can vary between designs, choosing the right pen means there is no need to compromise on writing comfort, consistency or efficiency.

The benefits of eliminating the metal spring go beyond the pen itself. In food production environments, every additional component represents a potential foreign body risk. Small metal springs are particularly difficult to control because of their size, and relying solely on metal detection to identify a lost spring can introduce an unnecessary element of risk.

Metal detectors are set according to the requirements and conditions of each production environment. In some applications, particularly where products such as wet ready meals create a significant background signal, detector sensitivity can be constrained to avoid false rejects. This means that very small metal components may not necessarily provide the same level of detectable signal as larger items.

More importantly, detection should not be the first line of defence when prevention is possible. If a component such as a small metal spring can be removed from the production environment altogether, there is a clear advantage in eliminating the risk rather than relying on detection to identify it after an incident has occurred.

A lost spring may be small, but the consequences can be significant, potentially resulting in product investigation, production disruption, recalls, reputational damage and financial loss. A spring-free retractable pen removes this particular source of risk at the point of use.

The choice between writing performance and food safety does not have to be an either/or decision. With the right spring-free design, you can have a retractable pen that provides a firm, comfortable and consistent writing experience without introducing a small metal spring into the production environment.

Retreeva detectable pens are designed to deliver both: the writing performance employees expect and the foreign body risk reduction that food production environments demand.

If springs are an issue at your site or you have a story to share regarding springs in food production, share your details below. We can also provide additional information about our range of spring-free retractable designs.

In the world of food manufacturing and packaging, ink plays a critical role in providing essential information such as expiration dates, batch numbers, and branding.

However, not all inks are created equal when it comes to safety and compliance with food industry standards.

Two commonly used terms in this context are food grade ink and food safe ink. While they might seem interchangeable, they serve distinct purposes. Here’s a closer look at their differences.

The simplest way to understand the difference is to consider where the ink will be printed. If the ink is being applied directly to an edible product, a food grade formulation is required.

If the ink is being printed onto packaging or another surface that may be near or come into incidental contact with food, a suitable food safe ink is generally the appropriate choice.

The two terms should therefore not automatically be treated as interchangeable.

Selecting an ink based on the application is an important part of maintaining food safety and regulatory compliance. The wrong formulation could create a risk of contamination or migration and may contribute to more serious consequences, including product recalls and reputational damage.

For manufacturers, understanding the difference between direct and indirect food contact can help to ensure that the chosen ink is appropriate for both the product and the printing process.

Every food production and packaging application is different, so choosing an ink should be based on how and where it will be used.

If you’re unsure whether you need a food grade or food safe ink, share your details via the contact form below and we will be in touch.

FSSC 22000 stands as one of the most trusted food safety certification schemes globally, with more than 40,000 certified organisations operating across the world’s food supply chains.

Version 7 was published in May 2026, and the transition clock is now ticking. Whether you are preparing for your next audit or simply getting ahead of the changes, this guide offers a clear, practical overview of what has shifted and where you may need to take action.

For a clause-level analysis, we recommend consulting the official FSSC 22000 change documentation directly.

FSSC 22000 Version 7 is not a ground-up rewrite. Instead, it represents a focused series of refinements designed to sharpen the scheme’s relevance and consistency. The principal drivers include:

• Alignment with GFSI Benchmarking Requirements (2024): The updated standard reflects the latest Global Food Safety Initiative expectations.
• Revised ISO 22002:2025 PRP series: The prerequisite programme framework has been restructured and modernised.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Version 7 provides stronger scaffolding for organisations working to support the SDGs.
• Clearer food chain category definitions: The structure for categorising operations has been refined for better consistency.
• General improvements to applicability: Requirements have been reviewed to ensure they are practical and uniformly applied.

If your site holds FSSC 22000 certification, here are the dates that matter:

The two-year time frame from publication to complete withdrawal gives sites adequate time to work through the changes, but early action is always advisable.

Prerequisite programmes (PRPs) are the operational foundations of any food safety management system, covering site hygiene, cleaning regimes, pest control, equipment maintenance, and the physical environment in which food is handled or produced.

Version 7 introduces a meaningful restructuring of how PRP requirements are organised:

• ISO 22002-100:2025 now serves as the core PRP standard, applicable to all sectors and categories.
• Sector-specific PRP standards (covering areas such as food manufacturing, packaging, catering, and retail) continue to apply alongside the core standard.

In practical terms, sites must now satisfy both the universal core requirements and those specific to their operational category. This is not necessarily an increase in the volume of requirements, much has been reorganised rather than added, but it does mean existing documentation and procedures should be audited against the new structure to confirm full coverage.

Now that we’ve explored the hidden costs of a foreign body incident, it’s time to address the best approach to preventing an incident in the first place: prevention before detection.

This is essentially the mindset of reducing the risk of foreign bodies entering your product instead of waiting for them to be discovered through visual, x-ray, or metal detection.

One of the best ways to do this is by selecting the right equipment. That is why Retreeva pens contain the minimum number of components – reducing the risk of small items flying off your pens and into your products.

They are also made from a specially formulated material that does not shatter under duress. This means that even if they are subjected to unnatural or unreasonable force, they will only ever bend or break into two parts.

Finally, Retreeva pens have a unique cartridge suspension system that eliminates the need for metal springs. As a result, your operatives can enjoy a firm writing experience, without the risk of a small metal component contaminating your product.

Foreign body contamination continues to be a major threat in food production – damaging brand reputation, triggering costly recalls, and most importantly, risking consumer safety.

The solution? A “prevention before detection” mindset. This is the concept of reducing contamination risks at the source, before they have the chance to reach your products or ingredients.

In the following article, we will explore six of the most common foreign body contaminants, offering expert advice on what you can do to keep them out of your food products.

Plastic contamination is often linked to utensils or packaging, but small tools like pens are frequently overlooked. Cheap, brittle pens can shatter on impact, shedding undetectable fragments into your products. In contrast, Retreeva Detectable Pens are made using shatter-resistant, food-grade material. This means they will only ever break under extreme and unusual force, and even then they won’t splinter into small fragments. Colour-coding is also essential when it comes to managing plastic contaminants. That is why Retreeva Pens typically feature blue housing, as blue is a colour rarely found in natural ingredients, making it easier to spot if an incident occurs. For many of the Retreeva pen designs, there are other colours available (green, yellow, and red).

It’s important that your site doesn’t rely solely on metal detection, as depending on the frequency of your detector, it may not be triggered by small items like metal springs. This is especially relevant to sites that manufacture high-moisture products that emit a high background signal.

The best way to reduce the risk of metal contamination is to choose smart, compliant tools. For example, Retreeva Detectable Pens have a unique cartridge suspension system that provides a firm writing experience, without the need for metal springs. They are also manufactured using the minimum number of small components, further reducing the risk of a foreign body incident.

Stones will often enter the food production process via raw agricultural ingredients like grains or pulses. To manage this risk effectively, ingredients should be thoroughly screened before entering your production line.

Many sites use stainless steel EuroBins with mesh inserts to sieve large quantities at once, while others rely on x-ray machines and mechanical sorting.

Regardless of your method, it’s essential that any incidents involving stones are reported and documented. This will allow you to raise concerns with your suppliers and push for improvements in their own control processes.

Glass is often used for essential instruments like thermometers and probes, so it’s not always possible to entirely remove this material from your site. This makes regular integrity checks all the more important, particularly for any glass equipment that comes into direct contact with your product.

Your team should be trained to identify early signs of damage or weakness, such as chips, cracks, or stress marks. You should also have clearly documented Glass Breakage SOPs that outline the correct steps for containing and cleaning up incidents. These procedures should be supported by regular training, with dedicated Glass Incident Kits easily accessible across the factory floor.

Contaminants like cardboard fibres, plastic wrap, and paper labels often originate from packaging areas located too close to an active production line. To prevent this from happening, the layout of your site should keep packaging zones clearly separated from food preparation and production areas.

It’s also worth reviewing your customer complaint data. If you notice recurring issues – such as plastic wrapping found in finished products or cardboard shavings in sealed packs – this can highlight areas where your packaging materials may need to be upgraded or replaced with more durable, food-safe alternatives. Even seemingly minor packaging changes can lead to significant risk reduction.

Hair, jewellery, and even fingernails are a common cause of contamination, particularly when hygiene policies aren’t properly followed or enforced. The BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard (Issue 9) contains several clauses covering this exact topic. Clause 7.2.1 restricts the use of false nails and jewellery, Clause 7.2.3 requires coloured plasters to be used to cover cuts, and Clause 7.4.2 sets expectations around hair nets and beard snoods. Ongoing training is essential, not just to explain the rules, but to help your team understand the consequences of non-compliance. This training can be supported with visual reminders in changing rooms, along with custom mirrors that reinforce dress codes and hygiene expectations.

Thanks to their unique housing, Retreeva Detectable Pens offer three forms of detectability: X-Ray, Metal, and Visual. This reduces the risk of a food safety incident caused by foreign body contamination.

Even so, the Retreeva motto is ‘Prevention Before Detection’ – highlighting the importance of sites taking precautionary measures to promote food safety, instead of relying solely on measures for identifying products that have already been contaminated.

Pausing production, disposing of products, and re-testing batches all come at a cost, which is why we have put together a guide to carrying out a thorough inspection of your detectable pens before and after every use.

Note: Every food factory is different. This article is a general guide to encourage best practice. It should not replace any site-specific procedures you already have in place. Always follow your factory’s safety policies, SOPs, and site-issued guidelines.

To ensure the ink flow of your detectable pens is up to standard, practise writing a few words. Make sure the surface you write on matches the intended application of the pen. For example, pens with pressurised ink are typically used to write on damp, dusty, or slightly greasy surfaces. Whereas, pens with gel ink are specially formulated for use in chilled and sub-zero environments. This is a good opportunity to confirm that the pens are in the right area of your factory, a step that could play a crucial role in reducing the amount of pens that go missing at your site and even prevent cross-contamination. It is also worth noting that environmental conditions can have a significant impact on pen performance.

Check the housing of your pens for fractures, warping, loose or missing parts, surface wear, and damage. For Retreeva Detectable Pens, this process will be slightly different, as their unique housing is shatterproof and incredibly durable. Although Integrity Checks are still important, you are far less likely to face the kind of issues you would expect when inspecting a different design. A prime example is that Retreeva Detectable Pens will only ever bend or eventually break into two parts (under extreme and unusual force), but won’t shatter into small, brittle parts. They are also made from FDA food contact approved polymers, so have been designed to withstand the daily demands of factory life.

When inspecting the housing of your detectable pens, you should also take time to check any lanyard loops and pocket clips, making sure they are still intact and functional. Again, Retreeva Detectable Pens will simplify this process, as additional features like lanyard loops and pocket clips are always part of a one-piece design. Instead of there being a vulnerable join between the loop/clip and the body of the pen, there is a virtually indestructible connection. This is essential for compliance with the BRCGS Version 9 expectation that sites ensure “stationery items such as pens are designed without small external parts.” It is also worth noting that these features (loops and clips) are optional.

Evaluate the cleanliness of your detectable pens and markers, ensuring they are free from grease, dirt, and moisture. Not only is this essential to food safety, but it will also improve pen performance and extend the lifespan of your writing equipment. Ideally, the detectable pens at your site will have been designed with easy-cleaning in mind. For instance, Retreeva pens and markers have a smooth finish that makes it easy to wipe away residue. If you notice any issues with the cleanliness of your pens at the start of a shift, you will need to remove the compromised pens from the factory floor and speak directly to your site’s Hygiene Manager about refresher training sessions and updated processes.

1. Do not continue using the pen and make sure it is immediately removed from the factory floor.
2. Swap it with an approved spare pen that passes all of your inspection criteria.
3. Report the issue to the relevant team leader and discuss corrective action.
4. If a serious incident was avoided or you are dealing with an ongoing issue, your HACCP team will need to carry out a Root Cause Analysis before deciding on a course of corrective and preventative action.
5. If damage involves small broken parts, the area and relevant products will need to be checked for fragments, otherwise you are risking a foreign body incident.

1. Reliable ink flow with a long ink life (some pens offer up to 10km of ink).
2. Ink types for a range of challenging environments e.g. sub-zero, greasy, damp ect…
3. Unique shatterproof housing for increased durability and reduced foreign body risk.
4. Optional lanyard loops and pocket clips – part of a virtually indestructible one-piece design.
5. Smooth housing surface that is easy to wipe clean of moisture and residue.

Food production sites are under increasing pressure to reduce waste, all while increasing output, driving standards of food safety, and delivering cost reductions.

The effective management of equipment is one of the best ways to make this happen – extending the lifespan of the tools at your site to eliminate unnecessary replacements.

But, how does this work when it comes to your detectable pens and markers? The following article has five actionable ideas for you to explore.

Detectable pens and markers that have been designed with the food industry in mind (e.g. shatter resistant, hygienic design, minimal components) are likely to withstand the harsh demands of factory life.

However, without a culture of accountability, it will be impossible to protect your pens from loss or even theft. This makes the ongoing training of your team absolutely essential. Your pens need to be used for the correct applications, kept in the right factory zones, and returned to a safe storage space after every use. There should also be a procedure in place for the disposal of pens and markers, otherwise, there is a risk that operatives will discard them before they’ve reached the end of their ink life.

The next step is to think about where your detectable pens are being stored between use. For some sites this will be a factory-appropriate shelf and for others this will be a wall-mounted or portable storage station. The main thing is that your pens and markers are easily accessible, protected from dirt and debris, and are unable to fall or roll onto the factory floor.

You could then introduce bespoke wording or visuals, either to the station itself or in the form of a nearby sign. What better way to remind your team to return their pens after use, making sure to wipe off any debris and either retract the nib or replace the cap (depending on the style of pen being used).

As with all of the equipment at your site, regular and thorough cleaning will help to extend the lifespan of your pens and markers. So, it’s important that your Hygiene Team stays on top of removing any food debris or greasy residues. This is not only an essential part of protecting your pens, it is also a matter of food safety and compliance.

Just remember to inspect and evaluate the cleaning chemicals and equipment your Hygiene Team intends to use for this task. If your pens and markers have been hygienically designed (smooth and free from harbourage points), there shouldn’t be any need to use overly-harsh chemicals that could degrade the pen housing over time.

Next, set up an Inventory Management System that tracks the expected lifespan of your pens and markers. Your supplier should be able to provide the relevant information. For example, our Retractable Detectable Pens (Regular Ink) offer a minimum writing length of 11km or 6.84 miles.  

You can strengthen this system by opting for
colour-coded housing or plungers that relate to key factors such as ink colour, ink type, the team the pen belongs to, or the area of your site where the pen should be kept. In addition to your more in depth inspections, colour-coding will make it easier to carry out quick visual checks to see if you are running low on a certain kind of detectable pen.

Although tracking the lifespan of your pens and markers is important, this won’t account for any misuse, damage or breakages. That is why you need to conduct regular Equipment Inspections, ensuring your pens are still safe to use and easy to write with. Your detectable pens are more likely to pass these inspections if you opt for durable design features like the ones used throughout the Retreeva range:

• Shatter resistant housing
• Extra-strong lanyard loops and pocket clips
• 6 day cap off time (markers with lids) OR a unique cartridge suspension that eliminates the need for lids (retractable markers)

Within the context of food and beverage production, foreign body contamination refers to the presence of an unwanted physical object (or objects) in a product intended for consumption.

Foreign bodies typically pose health risks to consumers, ranging from choking hazards and internal damage to allergic reactions and the spread of harmful bacteria.

While the top priority is always consumer safety, foreign body incidents can also place your business in jeopardy, resulting in costly product recalls.

But what if we look beyond product recalls to the other costs and consequences? This will help us to understand the hidden effects of foreign body contamination, reinforcing the importance of taking preventative action.

A foreign body incident could have a significant impact on the reputation of your brand – it could result in a loss of consumer trust and make retailers less likely to work with you. This is particularly important in the age of social media, where a negative experience with your product can be shared with millions of people across the globe. 

It can take years for brands to win back trust after a foreign body incident, often at great expense. From the cost of generating positive PR or establishing a new marketing strategy to the struggle of coping with an overall drop in sales or less competitive contracts with retailers, reputation damage comes with a wide range of associated costs.

Along with product recalls, foreign body incidents have the potential to trigger an increase in customer inspections, greater demand for internal audits, and an in depth review of your site’s current control measures. Diverting time, resources, and manpower to these processes could seriously disrupt your operation – making it harder to hit the same production targets and putting a stop to any plans for new product development. Depending on the severity of the foreign body incident, it is also possible that production will come to a halt, with retailers refusing to take any further batches until you can provide evidence of the issue being resolved. Even then, there’s still a chance that your  partners will pull their contracts.

In an ideal world, a foreign body incident would inspire your operatives to band together to resolve the immediate issue and prevent reoccurrence; however, the added pressure combined with an increased workload could result in a culture of blame and finger-pointing, with team members reluctant to take on important tasks in fear of being held responsible for another incident. A charged and stressful environment could even cause operatives to leave your facility and will likely introduce an additional challenge when it comes to attracting new workers. Again, this could cost your business in the long run, as smaller team sizes will result in reduced output. The ongoing cost of recruitment and training inductions is another factor worth considering.

Depending on the severity of the foreign body incident, it is possible that your facility will be placed under a spotlight. First, the retailers you work with may require you to visit their HQ to explain the situation and outline your plans for the future. They may insist on an increased number of inspections or draw a line in the sand relating to the purchase of a specific piece of equipment or a major change to your processes. Foreign body incidents also attract the attention of auditing bodies who will expect to see corrective and preventative action. Instead of being able to build up to any major changes and work them into your budget, you could be forced to make immediate investments without having the time to find the most cost-effective solution.

Now that we’ve explored the hidden costs of a foreign body incident, it’s time to address the best approach to preventing an incident in the first place: prevention before detection.

This is essentially the mindset of reducing the risk of foreign bodies entering your product instead of waiting for them to be discovered through visual, x-ray, or metal detection.

One of the best ways to do this is by selecting the right equipment. That is why Retreeva pens contain the minimum number of components – reducing the risk of small items flying off your pens and into your products.

They are also made from a specially formulated material that does not shatter under duress. This means that even if they are subjected to unnatural or unreasonable force, they will only ever bend or break into two parts.

Finally, Retreeva pens have a unique cartridge suspension system that eliminates the need for metal springs. As a result, your operatives can enjoy a firm writing experience, without the risk of a small metal component contaminating your product.

Introducing Detectable Pens to your food production site is a great way to drive standards of food safety, reduce the risk of foreign body contamination, and reassure both your customers and audit inspectors.

However, before you take this step, it is essential that you first evaluate the different areas of your food factory – considering the environmental conditions of each zone, along with the pen features that could make life easier for your operatives.

To help you with this process, we have provided a closer look at four common factory environments, matching each one with the best Detectable Pen for the job!

From sub-zero temperatures to high-moisture environments, it is likely that your food production site is home to plenty of zones that require specialist equipment – designed to withstand more unusual conditions. However, for the majority of areas and applications, you will find that a Retractable Detectable Pen with standard ink is the most suitable choice. The pen housing is metal and x-ray detectable, FDA food contact approved, and available in four different colours. As for the internal mechanisms, the European ink cartridge will stay fixed in place, no matter how much pressure is exerted on the writing point. You can also expect a minimum writing length of 11km.  

When used in chilled or sub-zero temperatures, a standard pen is less likely to provide a consistent flow of ink. That is why Retreeva has developed a Gel Ink Retractable Detectable pen that is suited to extremely cold temperatures. This will save your operatives the time and hassle of struggling with an unreliable pen – driving efficiency and boosting morale.  

It is also worth noting that, in addition to being FDA food contact approved, plus metal and x-ray detectable, Retreeva housing is also incredibly durable. As a result, it is tough enough not to crack or splinter when exposed to the cold – eliminating a possible food safety risk. 

If any of the applications at your food production site involve a lot of moisture, grease, debris, or loose powder, you will need to find a pen that is suited to these conditions. Retreeva’s Retractable, Detectable Pressurised Ink Pen is a prime example, as it can be used to write on damp, dusty or slightly greasy surfaces. Pressurised pens are also suited to bakeries, where you typically find a lot of fine powdered ingredients. This is thanks to the air pressure used to drive the ink out of the pen.  

The metal and x-ray detectable, FDA food contact approved housing is also incredibly smooth. This supports easy cleaning, so your Hygiene Team will be able to wipe down each pen in one swift motion.  

A lot of sites produce a wide range of products throughout the year and have to remain flexible, with teams constantly updating their ingredients and processes. With this in mind, Retreeva has developed a selection of Detectable Dry-Wipe Pens – supplying both markers and fine-tip versions. These pens are ideal for areas and equipment that need to be updated on a regular basis. For example, they could be used to write on an ingredient bin or ID tag that will likely go on to have multiple uses.

Even at sites with fairly consistent production lines, Dry-Wipe Pens will also prove invaluable when it comes to updating Visual Management Tools such as Shift Changeover, KPI, and Team Update Boards.