The Future of Food Processing

Where We Have Come from and Where We Are Headed

Sometimes, it seems as though we have come as far as we can with food production and making foods safe for human consumption, but there is always more that can be done. The health and safety of consumers is even more important now than at any time in history. These days, food comes from various parts of the world. The FDA has strict regulations on all aspects of food from farm to your table, but it did not happen overnight. Here is a brief history of food processing and what the future holds for consumers and safe food practices.

Dr. Harvey W. Wiley

In 1883, food processing was in its infancy and it was not until Dr. Harvey W. Wiley was made chief chemist for the Bureau of Chemistry’s food division, that the FDA began to take shape. Dr. Harvey was considered the father of the FDA and his influence in the study of food processing is still impacting how food is produced today. He was influential in establishing the AOAC or the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists enacted in 1898 which established the first committee of food standards.

Sherley Amendment

We have all heard of snake oil salesmen who regularly sold items to unsuspecting customers with wild claims of miracles. However, what they received was often more problematic than the original ailment. The Sherley Amendment passed in 1912 was the first step to ridding the United States of snake oil salesmen. Mrs. Wilson’s Soothing Syrup was the subject of the Sherley Amendment. The syrup was claimed to be a way to soothe colicky babies, but unfortunately, it was laced with morphine and ultimately killed more infants than it helped.

Factory Inspection Regulations

Today, we are used to regularly inspected facilities. Restaurants and food production facilities are inspected annually to ensure all FDA regulations are being followed, but that was not always the case. It was not until 1953 that the FDA began inspecting facilities and observed processing practices throughout. Samples are taken from each factory to ensure the product produced is, in fact, safe for human consumption. The following year, in 1954, the FDA began regulating pesticides within farms and processing facilities as well.

Nutrition Facts Label

On all food related products in the United States and Canada today, a nutrition facts label is available. This was not enacted until 1990 and each label contains information about recommended daily nutritional value of the product and serving size.

Gentle Processing™

Today, even with strict FDA regulations, food recalls can happen at any point during processing. A recall can cost both consumers and food production entities both time and money and in some instances, their health. Food processing has come a long way and thanks to the FDA, we have evolved to have some of the safest food practices in the world. However, we can do more and Gentle Processing™ can help.

Gentle Processing™ is a revolutionary tool that can rid food of all potential contamination. Our process can be used at any point during food processing and utilizes specialized energy to ensure the safety of your food. Is your food processed with Gentle Processing™?