In order to properly sanitize equipment, food processors use large amounts of water, chemicals and energy to help meet industry regulations.

While water is considered a renewable resource, it’s also a finite one, and food companies should strive to be good stewards of this increasingly valuable commodity.

With EPA regulations on wastewater and FSMA in place, food safety processors can face challenges in meeting food safety standards while saving on costs related to water use and wastewater treatment.

Beef processing requires more water per pound than any other type of protein and, the biggest users of water are the carcass washing cabinets used as interventions, which can go through 300 gallons or more per minute.

Technology and automation can disrupt an industry and even get blamed for eliminating jobs. Yet, for food processors trying to keep up with sanitation and safety requirements, automating certain tasks can help food processors address labor challenges.