• Food Processing - Where should you start? – Western Colorado Business Development Corporation -- 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)-- 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.

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 selecting 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 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. FDA -- If you are given the job of inspecting and unloading cartons of incoming food materials, read this booklet.
  
• Recall Policies – U.S. FDA -- 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. FDA -- 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. FDA -- This booklet includes the preamble to the final rule document originally published in 1986. The preamble contains valuable background information about the CGMP regulations.