Overcoming Tough Challenges in the Meat and Poultry Industry
Food manufacturing is an ever-changing industry, in which quality and safety are always topics of concern. However, meat and poultry manufacturers face some of the most challenging work environments in the food industry. Traditionally, both their workforce and equipment endure severe environments, with cold temperatures, high levels of humidity and rigorous washdown procedures in place to preserve the quality of the meat or poultry while it is handled on the production line.
Current trends are posing greater challenges to the industry, such as increased sanitization requirements, automation and the use of standard protocols for the efficient interface or exchange of data between process equipment and plant information systems, to enhance traceability throughout the supply chain. Other factors driving change in the industry include retailers’ product quality demands and international market regulations, aimed at ensuring the highest quality and safety standards in an increasingly vigilant regulatory environment.