Have you ever opened a bag of chips, expecting only crispy, flavorful bites, but instead, you found a mysterious blue disc hidden among them? If so, you’re not alone. Many people have stumbled upon this puzzling object, often embossed with text such as “Ferrous 25mm BST, Cert No. 213026B.” But what does it mean? And more importantly, how did it end up in your snack?
What Is the Blue Disc Found in a Packet of Chips?

At first glance, you might think it’s a promotional token, a production defect, or even an unexpected prize. However, this small blue disc is actually a metal detector test chip used in food processing plants.
This test chip is designed to ensure that food safety equipment—specifically, metal detectors—are working correctly. These chips are strategically placed on the production line to verify whether the detectors can identify and remove potential foreign objects. The blue color helps it stand out from the food, making it easier to spot if something goes wrong.
Why Are Metal Detector Test Chips Used in Food Manufacturing?
Food safety is a top priority for manufacturers. The presence of any foreign object, whether metal, plastic, or glass, poses a significant risk to consumers. To prevent contamination, most factories use metal detectors to scan food items before they are packaged and shipped.
Here’s how the process works:
- Test chips—like the one you found—are deliberately inserted into the production line at set intervals.
- Metal detectors scan the products, ensuring they catch the test chips.
- If the machine detects the chip, it triggers an alert and removes the contaminated item.
- If the chip is NOT detected, it signals a potential failure in the system, and production is halted until the issue is resolved.
Why Did the Test Chip End Up in My Chips?
Now, here’s where things get concerning. The very reason test chips exist is to prevent foreign objects from getting through. So if you found one in your bag of chips, it means something seriously went wrong in the quality control process.
There are a few possible explanations:
- The chip was misplaced and never retrieved – This suggests a human error where someone forgot to remove the test chip after conducting quality control.
- The metal detector failed – This is the most alarming possibility. If the detector failed to catch the test chip, it may have also missed other harmful objects, such as metal fragments or contaminants.
- Production oversight – Sometimes, manufacturing processes get rushed, and crucial safety checks are overlooked.
Regardless of the reason, this is a major red flag that warrants immediate action.
What Should You Do If You Find a Metal Detector Test Chip in Your Food?
If you ever find a test chip inside a food product, take the following steps:
- Do NOT consume any more of the product – There could be other contaminants present that went undetected.
- Keep the packaging and the chip – This will be crucial when reporting the issue.
- Contact the manufacturer immediately – Most brands have customer service lines or emails where you can report quality concerns.
- Request an explanation and possible recall information – If a test chip made it into your food, there’s a chance others might have had the same experience.
- Consider reporting the issue to a food safety authority – Agencies like the FDA (in the U.S.) or the FSA (in the UK) monitor food safety standards and may investigate further.
Will the Manufacturer Face Consequences?
Yes! Food safety protocols require companies to document every test chip used in their quality control process. When a test chip goes missing, production should stop immediately until it is found.
If you report the incident, the company will likely conduct an internal investigation to determine how this breach occurred. In some cases, it may even lead to:

- Product recalls – If multiple reports emerge, the company may be forced to recall entire batches of the affected product.
- Fines and penalties – Regulatory agencies may impose fines if they determine that safety protocols were neglected.
- Operational reviews – Manufacturers might overhaul their processes to prevent similar failures in the future.
Could There Be Other Foreign Objects in My Chips?
The unfortunate reality is that if a test chip made it through, other foreign objects could have as well. While food safety measures exist to minimize risks, errors do happen. There have been cases of consumers finding:
- Plastic or rubber fragments from conveyor belts
- Metal shavings from broken machinery
- Glass pieces from shattered equipment
- Insects or other biological contaminants
This is why quality control is so critical. The presence of a metal detector test chip in your chips raises serious questions about the reliability of the manufacturer’s safety measures.
Final Thoughts: Should You Be Concerned?
Absolutely. While finding a blue test chip in your chips might seem like a bizarre fluke, it’s actually a major food safety failure. These chips are meant to stay on the production line, not end up in your snack bag.
If this happens to you, take action. Report it, demand accountability, and spread awareness. Food safety should never be compromised, and manufacturers must be held to the highest standards to ensure that what we eat is truly safe.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are EXPECTING FIRST BABY — They Reveal the Happy News in an Unusual Setting (Video inside)
Hailey Bieber, 27, is expecting her first baby with husband, Justin Bieber, 30. She disclosed her pregnancy news alongside the pop singer through a lovely Instagram video.
The celebrity opted to announce the big news to the world while exchanging a tender kiss during yet another vow renewal ceremony, this time, in Hawaii. The model showcased her growing belly, adorned in a tailor-made lace wedding gown by Anthony Vaccarello for Yves Saint Laurent, while she flaunted a new diamond ring.
In September 2018, Justin and Hailey Bieber had initially exchanged vows at a courthouse in New York City, coinciding with the day they acquired their marriage license. Later, the couple tied the knot again in a second ceremony held at the opulent Montage Palmetto Bluffs resort in South Carolina on September 30, 2019, surrounded by close friends and family.

Kendall Jenner swiftly expressed her emotions in the comment section of Hailey’s Instagram post, exclaiming, “Ahhhh, here come the tears again.” While Kim Kardashian commented, “I love you guys sooooo much!!!!”
Chrissy Teigen conveyed her excitement, writing, “EEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! You are going to be an amazing amazing mommy oh boy get ready!!! So exciting, so happy for you both!!”
Kylie Jenner echoed sentiments of love, commenting, “I love you guys!!!! Ahhhhhhhh” while Kris Jenner wrote, “We are so so excited, can’t wait can’t wait what a blessing!!!!!”

Last year, while the couple has expressed a desire for children, Hailey had voiced concerns about raising a family in the public eye, saying, “I want kids so bad, but I get scared. It’s enough that people say things about my husband or my friends… I can’t imagine having to confront people saying things about a child. We can only do the best we can to raise them. As long as they feel loved and safe.”
Justin and Hailey’s journey began in 2009 when they were introduced by Hailey’s father, leading to a brief romance in 2016 amidst Justin’s tumultuous relationship with Selena Gomez. After finally parting ways with Gomez in 2018, Justin found solace in Hailey’s companionship, and they’ve been inseparable since.
Despite facing challenges, including a difficult first year of marriage, Justin and Hailey have openly discussed their struggles with trust and trauma. However, they’ve emerged stronger and more stable in their relationship.

Celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary last September, both Justin and Hailey took to Instagram to share heartfelt tributes to one another.
Hailey’s post was short yet poignant, a simple “5. I love you.” While Justin’s tribute to his beloved wife was more elaborate; he expressed deep affection and gratitude for their journey together, writing, “To the most precious, my beloved. 5 years. You have captivated my heart. I know from the depths of my soul down to my bones that this journey with you will only exceed our wildest expectations. So let’s keep dreaming big baby. Cheers to forever and ever. I love you with every fiber of my being. HAPPY 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!”

Recently, Bieber took to social media to share a glimpse into his emotional journey through a collection of photos capturing different facets of his life. It was the last two images that resonated deeply with fans. In these selfies, Bieber revealed tears streaming down his face, showcasing his raw vulnerability and inviting the world to witness his emotional state.
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