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Introduction
Food processing is concerned with converting raw agricultural products for consumption. It is responsible for a range of products found in grocery, and sari-sari stores.
In the Philippines, the food processing industry is part of the manufacturing sector and accounts for 7.31% share in total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Local employment in the food and beverage industry has gone up to 880,000 in 2013 and is expected to increase as the food processing industry expands.
Ninety percent of the industry’s output is consumed domestically. As the population
increases, work in the food processing industry remains relevant.
Chapter 1
This lesson will show you the career opportunities in the food processing industry. It will also teach you the desirable work habits expected of a food processing industry personnel.
Modern food processing industries use a variety of techniques to preserve food, maintain its consistency, facilitate its availability throughout the year, and also improve flavor. In addition, marketing and distribution of food is made much easier by food processing.
Examples:
Packaging Staff
Food Production Worker
Quality Control Staff
The industry is vast and extremely diverse, and includes different categories of workers. These skilled people are responsible for processing raw food into finished products that can be marketed by independent grocers and wholesalers as well as institutional food services.
Meat and fish cutters and trimmers work in animal slaughtering plants. They may cut and trim whole beef, pork, poultry, and fish, or process fabricated meat products like sausages and hamburgers. In contrast, bakers produce breads, pastries and other baked goods by mixing and baking different ingredients according to specific recipes. They are mostly employed by specialty and grocery stores, as well as manufacturing firms.
The food processing industries also employ food batchmakers. These workers are responsible for setting up and operating equipment that are used for mixing, blending, and cooking various ingredients. Manufacturing companies employ food batchmakers so that specific food products can be created on a large scale by following formulas or recipes.
Education and Training Requirements
For entry into food processing occupations, no specific academic experience or training is required. Most people join as trainees or apprentices, and learn their skills on the job. However, to further one’s career, it is beneficial to have certain basic knowledge pertaining to the field one chooses to work in. For instance, bakers need to know about the basics of bakery ingredients, products, and processes. In addition, one must also have knowledge of mechanical baking and mixing equipment.
To this end, it can be advantageous to opt for correspondence courses, related online degrees/certificates, or other certificate training programs, in addition to on-the-job training. These courses can often be completed quickly and on the students own schedule, and they teach students about nutrition and ingredients, the applied chemistry behind them, governmental health and sanitation rules, as well as business concepts. Besides, with the increasing use of computers in food processing industries, knowledge about their handling and operation may come in useful.
On-the-job training programs for meat and fish cutters and trimmers can last for several months. It may take up to 2 years before one can be established as a skilled butcher.
Food machine operators also require training. These programs can take anything from a couple of months to a year for completion. To enhance job opportunities, one can also opt for a degree or specialized training in fields like dairy processing.
Chapter 2
The Food Processing Facility
A food processing facility is a facility where food for human consumption is:
manufactured;
packaged;
labeled; and
stored.
Each food processing facility is designed differently depending on the cost of production, type of product, safety, capacity, hygiene, and sanitation. Being familiar with the key elements of a food processing facility will help you navigate your way in the workplace. Explore the layout to learn about the key elements of a food processing facility.
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