How manufacturers process food serves several purposes including regulatory compliance, consistency of taste, extension of shelf life, and in terms of profit goals, enhancement of operational efficiency. The way manufacturers process food is also key in the achievement of these objectives. This process depends on the scale of processing, the equipment used, food type and business model.
Type of food
In North America, two classification systems exist by which food manufacturers can identify processing requirements. These are the Standard Industrial Classification System (SIC) and the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS). The NAICS is the official system in use. One such category is NAIC Code 311611, the meat product category. How manufacturers process meat foods begins at the slaughterhouse for several types of meat. An example of early stage processing in this category includes stunning, bleeding and dressing of the animals.
Equipment
Food processing equipment used by manufacturers can be elaborate or simple. An example of highly structured food processing equipment is evident in some types of ice cream processing. For example, according to Tera Pak, a global food processing equipment supplier, ice cream processing equipment can take up to 11 machines for freezing, inclusion, extrusion, molding, enrobing, packaging and more. The type of ice cream can affect how many of these processing machines are needed as not all ice cream is on a stick or includes additional non-ice cream ingredients.
Scale
The food business operation itself can greatly affect how manufacturers process food. This includes, but is not limited to the scale of business. To illustrate, economies of scale can help lower prices of food processing by obtaining better deals on larger amounts of raw ingredients. However, this may also require more extensive food processing machinery in addition to increased financial, legal, and logistical factors. For example, a small localized vegetable business may have very simple food processing requirements in comparison to a mobile poultry processing operation.
Business model
A business model can also affect how manufacturers process food. The business model may emphasize the environment and thus go above and beyond Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. Moreover, EPA regulations place specific limitations on the waste products produced by food processing businesses. A business with a particularly environmental focus may choose to eliminate non-renewable waste from its manufacturing process to conform to its product image and business model.
Regulations
How manufacturers process food is largely affected by regulatory requirements. These are determined by legislation and agency interpretation or enforcement of those laws. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is one such agency and regulates the use of chemicals such as insecticide used, and byproducts created in the manufacturing and processing of food. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is another agency involved with food processing and regulates what goes into the food and how it is made. For example, what types of preservatives processed foods contain, and how ingredients and nutritional information are labeled on processed foods.
Type of food
In North America, two classification systems exist by which food manufacturers can identify processing requirements. These are the Standard Industrial Classification System (SIC) and the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS). The NAICS is the official system in use. One such category is NAIC Code 311611, the meat product category. How manufacturers process meat foods begins at the slaughterhouse for several types of meat. An example of early stage processing in this category includes stunning, bleeding and dressing of the animals.
Equipment
Food processing equipment used by manufacturers can be elaborate or simple. An example of highly structured food processing equipment is evident in some types of ice cream processing. For example, according to Tera Pak, a global food processing equipment supplier, ice cream processing equipment can take up to 11 machines for freezing, inclusion, extrusion, molding, enrobing, packaging and more. The type of ice cream can affect how many of these processing machines are needed as not all ice cream is on a stick or includes additional non-ice cream ingredients.
Scale
The food business operation itself can greatly affect how manufacturers process food. This includes, but is not limited to the scale of business. To illustrate, economies of scale can help lower prices of food processing by obtaining better deals on larger amounts of raw ingredients. However, this may also require more extensive food processing machinery in addition to increased financial, legal, and logistical factors. For example, a small localized vegetable business may have very simple food processing requirements in comparison to a mobile poultry processing operation.
Business model
A business model can also affect how manufacturers process food. The business model may emphasize the environment and thus go above and beyond Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. Moreover, EPA regulations place specific limitations on the waste products produced by food processing businesses. A business with a particularly environmental focus may choose to eliminate non-renewable waste from its manufacturing process to conform to its product image and business model.
Regulations
How manufacturers process food is largely affected by regulatory requirements. These are determined by legislation and agency interpretation or enforcement of those laws. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is one such agency and regulates the use of chemicals such as insecticide used, and byproducts created in the manufacturing and processing of food. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is another agency involved with food processing and regulates what goes into the food and how it is made. For example, what types of preservatives processed foods contain, and how ingredients and nutritional information are labeled on processed foods.
Sources:
1. http://bit.ly/fiQYqk (Environmental Protection Agency)
2. http://bit.ly/dU6XPe (Tetra Pak)
3. http://bit.ly/y7w1k (Food and Drug Administration)
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