Abstract: A method for processing food product includes detecting non-metallic equipment fragments or pieces in the food product during processing by employing processing equipment or components fabricated of a material which comprises a non-metallic primary constituent and a detectable particulate metal constituent interspersed substantially throughout the primary constituent such that no substantial adverse effect on the formability, during manufacture, or structural integrity, during use, of the piece part results, and such that a fragment or piece of the composite material is detectable by use of means for detecting the particulate metal constituent

Abstract: An apparatus of high capacity is provided for simultaneously filling a plurality of individual containers into a predetermined number of empty cases. The containers are conveyed to two staging areas disposed in adjacent relation to a first station and then are simultaneously moved from each staging area to the first station. When the containers are disposed at the first station, they are arranged in a predetermined pattern which is compatible with the interior configuration of the cases into which they are to be loaded. A second station is provided which is disposed beneath the first station and is adapted to receive a predetermined number of empty cases to be filled by the container positioned at the first station. A means is provided which releasably engages the containers at the first station, lowers said containers into the empty cases at the second station, and then releases the containers in the cases and returns to its initial position.