What Does the FDA Have to Say About Food Manufacturing and Packaging?
Considering applying for a career in food manufacturing? Click to learn the biggest FDA regulations on food manufacturing and packaging before getting started.
Did you know that manufacturers spend more than $150 billion a year on packing for a product? That is equal to 7 to 10 cents of every dollar spent on creating the product.
Food packing is essential for transporting food, keeping it fresh, and displays ingredients and when the food expires. Keep reading, and we will walk you through food manufacturing and packaging and FDA regulations that the industry follows.
The Industry
The food packaging and manufacturing industry have added over 225,000 jobs to the market after a decrease in March and April. They were split by durable vs. nondurable goods.
There were over 119,000 allocated to durable goods and over 106,000 for nondurable goods. Food would fall under nondurable goods because it can only be stored and used over a short period.
There is a range of jobs you can do in the food manufacturing and packaging industry. The industry itself splits into many parts. A few examples are bakeries and tortilla manufacturing, to fruit and vegetable preservation, to seafood product preparation and packaging.
The types of jobs range from supply chain to administrative roles. A few examples include packaging engineers, food scientists, assembly line workers, or packaging buyers.
There is a lot of work in food packing to make it look appealing and last on grocery store shelves.
If you’re considering a job in the manufacturing industry, see how JSK Recruiting can help you find the right fit and take you through the interview process.
FDA Regulations
The FDA regulates how food is processed, packaged, and labeled. This, along with the safety of substances that are added to food.
In food packaging, they look at the packaging used, the process, and other substances that come in contact with the food during the process.
The FDA also looks at irradiation, which companies use to increase shelf-life food. It can also eliminate harmful bacteria in meat, vegetables, or other food. It also falls in line with additives and generally looking at the ingredients of food to make sure it’s safe.
There is a running list of additives and the limitations that are required for each one.
Foods from genetically engineered plants need to follow the same food safety guidelines as foods that come from traditionally bred plants.
There is an FDA assessment that determines how your process and packaging impacts the environment as well.
For example, the type of packaging will be assessed. It has been found over the years that the plastic that keeps a pack of soda cans together is harmful to the ocean creatures.
Start Your Food Manufacturing and Packaging Career
If you’re looking to go into the food manufacturing and packaging industry, make sure you’re up to date on the FDA regulations.
There are not only FDA regulations surrounding the food and its ingredients. There are guidelines for manufacturing, packaging, and the process behind both.
JSK Recruiting is a service that helps place people into the manufacturing and supply chain business in the Chicagoland area. Contact us today for more information on their services and open positions available.