An apparatus and method for detecting contaminants in a food product
having an irregular shape is described. The apparatus comprises a
contaminant detection device constructed and arranged to detect
contaminants in a food product when the food product enters a zone of
operation relative to the contaminant detection device. A conveyor belt
is electrically coupled to the contaminant detector. The contour filler
is operably connected to the conveyor bell and contaminant detector, and
positions the food product within the zone of operation. The contour
filler may retain the food product and fill the cross sectional area of
the zone of operation to enhance contaminant detection. The contour
filler may rotate the food product relative to the contaminant detector.