Food is a material consumed to give nutritional support to an organism. Foods are generally of animal, vegetable or plant in nature, and consist of basic nutrients, including vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, carbohydrates, or fats. Some foods can be manufactured, processed, and stored for future consumption, while other foods are made into raw materials by plants and animals. Food plays a vital role in the nutrition of every individual and therefore each food needs to be examined on an individual basis.
The food industry is a multi-billion dollar business. A wide range of products are sold by the food manufacturing industry. These products range from food to cosmetic products and medicines. Some of these products are produced with a single process, whereas other products require more than one process. These products are used in our homes or for industrial purposes.
The food industry also includes various other aspects that contribute to the production of food. These aspects include food additives, packaging of food products, packaging and distribution, storage of food, transportation of food products, sales promotion and marketing of food products, research and development of food products, and the administration of the food business. The food industry is also responsible for the public health and safety of the environment. Thus it is important to keep the environment clean and safe.
The food industry has been a main contributor towards our well being. We consume more than enough food to live healthy lives. It is said that around 50% of the world population consumes around 500 calories per day. It is this excessive intake of food that cause obesity, lack of energy, poor health, and many other illnesses. The food industry not only helps to ensure a healthy life, it also ensures that we all eat well. The food industry is largely responsible for the creation of fresh foods, processed foods, and unhealthy foods.
Food processing is the process of converting food material into a usable form. The food that is transformed includes meat products, fish products, milk, sugar, starch, etc. The processing of food material includes several stages. First, raw materials are collected. Raw materials can include animal products like meat, milk, vegetables, sugar, etc., and are then processed. and separated. The processed raw materials are then stored in storage containers and are then prepared for use.
Packaging is the way in which the items are transported to consumers. Packaging may include bags, boxes, wraps, cartons, baskets. It may include labeling of food items, and storage of food items at retail stores. Food products that are stored in retail stores are then sold at retail stores. Packaging and transportation are crucial to the proper functioning of the food industry, since these processes can be automated and there is less need to maintain a large staff for these tasks.
