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What Is the Food Processing Industry?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Just as cars rely on fuel, so do humans rely on food as their major source of energy. The mighty food processing industry is a globe-spanning market that plays a part in the daily life of billions of people. Whether bagging flour, canning goods, or turning a dozen ingredients into a package of chocolate chip cookies, the food processing industry is responsibility for the majority of food that is prepared or packaged in any way.

Food processing, such as salting meat to make it last longer, was once a fairly localized ordeal. With the development of trade, the food processing industry began to widen markets by creating food-based goods that could be packaged and preserved to survive long, and often perilous, journeys. Throughout history, the food processing industry has played a major part in the development of cultural exchange and global diversity, as foods once limited to a small area by shelf-life and packaging concerns were brought to a wider audience through technological developments in the industry.

Food packaging is a part of food processing.
Food packaging is a part of food processing.

The food processing industry tends to specialize in two areas: food preparation or food packaging. Many processing plants are able to do both tasks: turning raw ingredients into a prepared food and then packaging it for shipment. Some, especially those that deal with one product such as eggs or milk, may only package goods for shipping. Small farms may also have their own processing plants, to package goods like eggs, cheese, nuts, and fruits, for sale.

The food processing industry includes makers of canned goods.
The food processing industry includes makers of canned goods.

The existence of food marts and supermarkets is largely due to the prevalence of the food processing industry. In order to survive, a market must be able to balance the supply and demand for goods. The use of food stabilizers and preservatives in the processing industry can greatly extend the shelf-life of many goods, meaning that grocery stores need to replace expired goods far less often. Almost any food, from bread to canned corn, may be viably sold in a grocery store thanks to the technological developments of the processing industry.

Canned foods are a product of the food processing industry.
Canned foods are a product of the food processing industry.

Identifying processed food helps make informed purchases and manage personal health needs. Understanding processed food is especially relevant if you are on a special diet. If you use health apps to track your meals, such as keto diet apps, you need to enter accurate food information for the app to work. Processed foods often have different nutritional qualities than their non-processed counterparts. Some main differences between processed and unprocessed foods include salt quantities and preservatives.

Food preparation is part of the food processing industry.
Food preparation is part of the food processing industry.

As such a vital industry to human existence, the food processing industry is usually strictly regulated out of concern for food safety. Improperly prepared foods, such as contaminated meat, have the potential to cause widespread illness and even fatalities if they are distributed. Regulatory agencies frequently have extensive standards regarding the preparation of food, testing for contamination, and workplace hygiene. Nevertheless, food safety is an ongoing issue of concern in the food processing industry, especially as safety standards may vary between regions.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a AboutMechanics writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a AboutMechanics writer.

Learn more...

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    • Food packaging is a part of food processing.
      By: vlntn
      Food packaging is a part of food processing.
    • The food processing industry includes makers of canned goods.
      By: kornienko
      The food processing industry includes makers of canned goods.
    • Canned foods are a product of the food processing industry.
      By: Andrzej Włodarc
      Canned foods are a product of the food processing industry.
    • Food preparation is part of the food processing industry.
      By: noppasit
      Food preparation is part of the food processing industry.
    • The term food processing is often used to refer to the manufacturing of packaged foods, such as TV dinners.
      By: Michael Gray
      The term food processing is often used to refer to the manufacturing of packaged foods, such as TV dinners.