Getting Started
Food Processing - Where should you start? -- Western Colorado Business Development Corporation -- Information is designed to give you basic information that you need to consider before getting into the food processing business.
Considerations Before Starting A Small Food-Processing Business – Mississippi State University -- Individuals who are interested in introducing a processed food product into the market place should be aware of several considerations.
Food Entrepreneur Resources – Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension – Resources for Small Food Processors and Potential Entrepreneurs.
Starting a Food Business – U.S. Food and Drug Administration -- FDA offers information on food safety guidelines and regulations it has established that are required for informative labeling and the safe preparation, manufacture, and distribution of food products.
Planning Considerations for Small Manufacturers – Iowa Small Business Development Centers-- Things to consider before you plan production.
Food Processing - Equipment and Facilities
Selecting and Purchasing Food Processing Equipment – Oklahoma State University Extension – Selecting and purchasing food processing equipment can be difficult and tine consuming.
Planning the Engineering Design of a Food Processing Facility – Oklahoma State University Extension – Engineering design and construction of a food processing facility requires a lot of planning.
Metal Detectors for Food Processing – Oklahoma State University Extension -- Food processors should consider a metal detector for product safety, equipment protection, contract requirement, and regulatory compliance.
Sanitary Pump Selection -- Oklahoma State University Extension -- Sanitary pumps are used to transport food in processing operations. This fact sheet outlines the steps to select the right pump for the job.
Container Cleaning in Food Processing Facilities – Oklahoma State University Extension -- Container cleaning is an important step in the food safety process. A system to clean containers and improve the safety of food products should be established in food processing operations.
A Comparison of Plant Location Determinants: Food vs. Non-Food Agricultural Processors – Oklahoma State University Extension – This fact sheet summarizes the results of a study that examined factors affecting location decisions among value-added firms in the state of Oklahoma.
Selecting and Purchasing Used Food Processing Equipment – Oklahoma State University Extension -- Used equipment can be a valuable time and cost saving alternative for food and agricultural product processing.
Guidelines for the Use of Chlorine Bleach as a Sanitizer in Food Processing Operations – Oklahoma State University Extension -- Dilute mixtures of chlorine bleach and water are a common and cost-effective method for sanitizing equipment in food processing operations.
Choosing and Using a ph Meter for Food Products – Oklahoma State University Extension -- Monitoring the pH of foods during production may be a vital step in producing a safe, high quality food. Proper pH range is often essential in many of the physical and chemical reactions that take place during food processing.
The Importance of Food ph in Commercial Canning Operations – Oklahoma State University Extension – The information discussed in this fact sheet is about canning procedures and the correct pH level for the different foods.
Process and Facility Sanitation – Oklahoma State University Extension -- A general understanding of process and facility sanitation is important of the successful manufacturing of food products.
Sanitary Fittings and Tubing for Food Processors – Oklahoma State University Extension -- This fact sheet briefly explains the most common sanitary piping, valves, and tubing and how they are used in the food processing industry.
Packaging
Contract Manufacturing & Packaging Association -- This organization provides a list of members at this Web site and information on what to look for when considering an outsource packaging service.
Packaging Digest -- This packaging industry publication provides a list of companies that provide contract packaging services. It is searchable by name or state.
Packexpo.com -- This online packing industry resource provides news and links to packaging products and suppliers.
Packaging Strategies -- The Leading Global Information Source on Packaging Technology, Business and Markets.
Food Processing Issues
Food Processing Using a Co-Packer – Oklahoma State University Extension -- Many businesses fail because they run out of money before they make money. Using a co-packer can save a company a lot of money and save it the hassle of the different regulation laws.
Inspecting Incoming Food Materials – U.S. Food and Drug Administration – If you are given the job of inspecting and unloading cartons of incoming food materials, read this booklet.
Recall Policies – U.S. Food and Drug Administration -- The recall of a defective or possibly harmful consumer product often is highly publicized in newspapers and on news broadcasts.
Do Your Own Establishment Inspection – U.S. Food and Drug Administration -- A Guide to Self Inspection for the Smaller Food Processor and Warehouse.
Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packing, or Holding Human Food – U.S. Food and Drug Administration -- This booklet includes the preamble to the final rule document originally published in 1986. The preamble contains valuable background information about the CGMP regulations.