Raw ingredients are processed into edible food through
cooking, grinding, steaming, mincing, boiling and macerating. They go through
preservation and distribution methods such as salting, pickling, drying,
freezing, pasteurizing and canning.
Why Start
a Food Processing Business
Raw food is loaded with harmful agents such as bacteria,
different pathogens and toxins Therefore it is imperative to process our food
for safer meals.
Processed foods have longer shelf lives, provides
consistency, easy to transport and sell. Canned food prevents decomposition and
provides food processors a good medium to sell the product.
Another advantage of processed food is convenience, improved
taste and proportioning. It also provides an easier pricing system for the
product.
The downside inherent in processed food is loss of
nutritional value and risk of harmful food additives. The mechanical process
could introduce contaminants and density.
Everybody knows that fresh fruits are by far superior in
nutritional value than canned fruits.
Food
Processing Regulations, Licensing and Permits
The food processing business is bound by several
regulatory provisions. The permits and licensing differ from each country.
However they border on heath and safety issue, processing
methods and quality issues. The main bodies that regulate the industry are the
international standards organization, national food and drug administration and
food processing associations.
They are known by different names in each country however
they carry out similar functions. In America you have the Federal food and drug
administration carrying out this statutory duty.
Specific products attract different state and federal
laws guiding the industry.
How to
Run a Food Processing Business
To run a food processing business you need to have high
standard, factor health considerations and efficiency. The processing plant
should function at optimal efficiency to reduce costs.
Therefore the five parameters to a successful plant are labor,
waste management, efficiency of assembly line, energy expended and hygiene.
Food
Processing Regulations
Food processing companies are subject to food and drug administration
regulations. They regulate ingredients, factory conditions and canning.
The regulations focus on food additives, production
methodology, supplements and food contact substances. Other guidelines focus on
commercial factories, home based businesses, imports including hazard analysis and
labeling.
They also provide guidelines on specific food products
and waste management strategies. Food processing companies are generally
inspected to enforce food safety.
Food
Facility
The food facility should apply for registration based on
the type of food processed. The company should ensure food safety, proper
labeling and waste management structures before distribution of the product. A
different regulatory body the DSHEA handles dietary supplements.
Labeling
In the food processing business labeling is very
important. The labels should meet federal and state laws on information about
the product.
The ingredients and portions should be clearly displayed
on the packaging. There are a few government acts on labeling such as food
allergen and consumer protection act, nutritional labeling act and fair
packaging act.
Steps
to Start a Food Processing Business
Before you start your food processing business make sure
the business has all the state permits and licenses. Cash strapped investors
could start small and grow the inventory.
The next step is to focus on a niche sector. Try to use
quality raw materials and ingredients during the manufacturing process. Quality products will always attract good
patronage than substandard products.
Develop an effective marketing strategy and apply
trademarks or branding. Make sure your plant works efficiently to save time and
labor costs.
Funding
the Food Processing Business
Majority of the funds goes into procurement of raw materials,
ingredients and equipment. You need a factory space, labor, marketing and
supplies.
To rise funds try target saving or borrow money from
relations. Join a food manufacturers association and enjoy discounted bank
loans and subventions.
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