Want to keep up with the latest in the food and beverage industry? May’s top five article topics include lean management in food manufacturing, the challenges of supply chain traceability, reducing the food industry’s reliance on fossil fuels and more.
In this guest article, we discuss the theory of lean management, which is defined as the elimination of non-value-added activities in food production using lean principles. The author explains the five lean principles and how to apply them in practice, and also discusses practices to eliminate the seven deadly wastes.
read more.
Food safety expert Francine L. Shaw emphasizes the importance of prioritizing food safety and offers several strategies businesses can implement to reduce the number of foodborne illnesses that strike Americans each year. Some of these strategies include thoroughly training and educating all staff, using technology to automate routine tasks, and using HCOL, a no-rinse sanitizer, to extend the shelf life of seafood, produce, meat, and poultry.
read more.
A recent survey by Foods Connected found that 42% of food companies do not have digital systems in place to manage traceability, quality and food safety and are exploring solutions. However, they face several challenges when trying to implement supply chain traceability, including a lack of education on available funding and the need to upskill employees.
read more.
According to Purdue University’s April 2024 Consumer Food Insights Report, consumers are spending more on groceries each week. Spending on food increased 10% from April 2023, with the average weekly spend at grocery stores increasing to $129. Meanwhile, consumers’ estimate of annual food inflation decreased to 6.3% in April, and household food insecurity rates also decreased for the month.
read more.
Guest author Patricia Probot from Armstrong International discusses the various challenges facing the food industry as it tries to balance growth with reliance on fossil fuels. She highlights findings from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap and delves into the concept of energy efficiency and how it relates to the food industry.
read more.
