Product Cutting

As I'm sitting in my office reviewing Material Safety Data Sheets on new chemicals to switch to and the old ones we're currently using, I hear "Low Rider" by War playing on the loud speaker. The music selection indicates that it is product cutting time, signaling designated quality assurance line leaders to come into the quality assurance lab and test the day's product! A selection of each product being produced that day is pulled off the line specifically for product cutting. A group of examiners start by observing the packaging, they look to see if the overwrap is sealed correctly, if the individual wrapping is neatly done. Then each bar of ice cream is taken out of its package and displayed on a lab table. Now the group examines the front side, then the back side, of the product. If the bar is chocolate coated, they'll look to see if there are any obvious holes that was not covered. If the ice cream is sandwiched, the group examines the placement on the cookie, the size discrepancy of the two cookies, and any other quality feature. Some bars have a special addition of an ingredient to the outside, symbolizing its crispiness, or another texture. The group will examine to see how obvious this looks. Now the fun part, every member of the group tastes a few of the products, making sure it tastes how it should and that the consumer will be satisfied. Lastly, if a product contains an additive to the ice cream, like a peanut butter swirl, or chocolate chips, a few bars are sliced open down the center and examined for the correct amount of additive. Product cutting is important because it verifies that the resources used to make the product are functioning correctly, leaving the consumer with a delicious ice cream treat! :D