Food Processing Industry Key Terms

Study the food processing industry key terms to create and market quality food products

Basic knowledge of food processing industry key terms helps if you’re trying to combine ingredients and substances to produce a clean, safe and consumable food product. Food processing industry key terms indicate the techniques, equipment and ingredients used to mix raw materials such as grains or substances such as sugar. Different food processes also exist for working with liquids such as fruit juice or solids such as cheese. Additional techniques used in food processing intend to enhance flavors and colors, as well as to improve texture and shelf life. Learning food processing industry key terms gives you the edge in promoting your products, as well as insights into the industry’s current trends.

 

Additives

Additives used in food processing are chemical substances that improve the appearance, nutritional value and shelf life of products. Pectin, lecithin and ascorbic acid are some examples of additives that help maintain food flavor and consistency.
Try: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration features a guide to additives, how they're approved for safe use and their applications. Nutrition Data also provides an extensive list of food additives and their roles in food processing.

Emulsifier

An emulsifier is a substance used to mix food components that are normally incompatible, such as oil and water. Examples of food products that contain emulsifiers include mayonnaise and cooking sauces.
Try: Food Additives World gives information on emulsifiers and how they fit into food processing. Norchem Industries presents the features and benefits of using emulsification equipment.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

Modified atmosphere packaging, or MAP processing, uses gas technology to preserve the shelf life of foods by reducing mold growth. Vacuum sealing is one example of food packaging that is created under MAP conditions.
Try: Learn about how modified atmosphere packaging benefits meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables at Coextruded Plastic Technologies.

Food irradiation

Food irradiation involves the use of gamma rays, X-rays or electron beams to kill bacteria and parasites that cause food borne illnesses.
Try: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes in detail the food irradiation process. Iowa State University Extension also provides an overview of food irradiation.

Fluid bed drying

Fluid bed drying uses heated and cooled air to dry food particles like grains, powders and animal feed. Manufacturers feed fluid bed dryers in batches or in a continuous process.
Try: Glatt explains the advantages and operation principles of fluid bed dryers. The site also presents the features and differences between batch and continuous fluid bed dryers.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspects items and facilities such as cosmetics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, food and food processing plants to ensure public safety. The agency also researches the health and medical effectiveness of foods and medicines.
Try: Search for the FDA/Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition’s guidance documents and other industry resources.

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