The global food processing industry is responsible for preparing and packaging the majority of foods consumed worldwide. It has played a significant role in cultural exchange and global diversity, thanks to technological developments that have allowed for wider distribution. The industry specializes in food preparation and packaging, and its use of stabilizers and preservatives has contributed to the existence of supermarkets. Food safety is strictly regulated, but concerns remain due to varying standards across regions.
Just as cars rely on fuel, humans rely on food as their main source of energy. The mighty food processing industry is a global market that plays a role in the daily lives of billions of people. Whether it’s bagging flour, canning produce, or turning a dozen ingredients into a bag of chocolate chip cookies, the food processing industry is responsible for the majority of foods that are prepared or packaged in any way.
Food processing, such as salting meat to make it last longer, was once a fairly localized ordeal. As trade developed, the food processing industry began to expand markets by creating food products that could be packaged and stored to survive long and often dangerous journeys. Throughout history, the food processing industry has played an important role in the development of cultural exchange and global diversity, as foods once limited to a small area due to shelf life and packaging have been brought to a wider audience thanks to technological developments in the sector.
The food processing industry tends to specialize in two areas: food preparation or food packaging. Many processing plants are capable of doing both: turning raw materials into a ready-to-eat food and then packing it for shipment. Some, especially those that handle a product like egg or milk, may only pack the goods for shipping. Small farms may also have their own processing plants, to package goods such as eggs, cheese, nuts and fruit, for sale.
The existence of supermarkets and supermarkets is largely due to the prevalence of the food processing industry. To survive, a market must be able to balance the supply and demand of goods. The use of food stabilizers and preservatives in the processing industry can significantly extend the shelf life of many products, meaning grocery stores have to replace expired products much less often. Almost any food, from bread to canned corn, can be sold profitably in a grocery store thanks to technological developments in the processing industry.
Being such a vital industry for human existence, the food processing industry is usually strictly regulated for food safety. Improperly prepared foods, such as contaminated meat, have the potential to cause widespread illness and even deaths if distributed. Regulatory agencies often have extensive standards regarding food preparation, contamination testing, and workplace hygiene. However, food safety is a constant concern in the food processing industry, especially as safety standards can vary from one region to another.
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