Top 6 Effective Strategies for Reducing Food Waste in Manufacturing
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that the world will need to continue increasing its food production capacity until there’s been a 60% rise from 2005 levels by the time we reach 2050. We need this expanding food production capability if we wish to feed the future world population. While many people are concerned […]
2022 in review and a sneak peek into 2023
We help businesses stay close to what they need, and to get what they want with minimal configurations. How do we do it? By staying close to what Microsoft has built. We take advantage of the investments Microsoft puts into their products instead of needlessly building our own IP – helping provide the tools food businesses need at a lower cost.
5 reasons why food manufacturers fail audits
Customer safety concerns and food preferences have set and redefined goals for food manufacturers. Organizations like the FDA conduct audits to verify that manufacturers are complying with relevant regulations to help protect consumers from unsafe products. Besides customer safety and requirements, there are other reasons why an audit is done, including: Marketing Reassess operational […]
Lot tracking: Trace to Origins
When you hear Trace to Origin, we’re actually referring back to Lot Tracking. Lot Tracking is important in many industries but specifically the food and beverage industry. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for the safety of food products sold or manufactured in the United States. Any product that requires FDA approval […]
AI is Changing the Food and Beverage Industry
Constantly changing marketing conditions. Following regulatory procedures that vary by jurisdiction. Making adjustments to soothe consumer worries brought on by a pandemic. Dealing with supply-chain disruptions and concerns about inventory. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re probably a part of the food and beverage (F&B) industry. This market sector has dealt with a lot […]
Using Advanced Forecasting to Maximize Sales and Reduce Stales
Business today is very challenging and getting even more complex, particularly in the perishable food industry. Bottom line results are always paramount with maximizing sales and reducing stales and returns understandably a common focus for companies in the perishable food industry. Companies that are able to improve their stop level orders can have a direct, […]
Next Steps for the FSMA Act: Food Traceability Proposed Rule
Since 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has created a series of rules and regulations to help food growers and producers be more proactive in terms of food safety. These rules were created as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Rather than waiting until a foodborne pathogen causes widespread illness, the FSMA […]
Is Your Food Defense Plan Inspection-Ready?
At Harvest Food Solutions, we have written before about the importance of a strong Food Defense Plan as part of your business’ overall food security. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the resumption of routine inspections of businesses of all sizes, in part to assess compliance with their standards regarding Food Defense […]
Classifying Allergens and Preventing Cross-Contact
The largest responsibility the perishable food industry has is to safeguard the health of those who purchase their products. This includes a particular responsibility to those with food allergies. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) includes prevention of allergen cross-contact among specific hazards to consider in assessing a food safety plan for hazard analysis and […]
Do You Need a Crisis Management Plan?
It’s safe to say that for the better part of 2020, nearly every part of the world has been in a state of crisis. We are all beginning to realize how an unexpected situation differs from an actual crisis, particularly one that is ongoing. We are starting to see examples of just how unprepared many […]
The Key to a Strong Food Defense Program
All of us in the perishable foods industry are keenly aware of the importance of a strong Food Defense Program as a facet of public health. Keeping food safe keeps communities safe. This means food manufacturers must have a vigorous plan that covers not only mitigation strategies and corrective measures, but also more proactive measures […]
Recall Plans: Should You Have One?
In light of recent global events, proactive businesses are taking a closer look at their daily operations. Things that have held true in the past are no longer guaranteed in the future. Specifically with regards to recalls, it is a mistake to assume that just because your product has never been recalled, that situation might […]
Delivering Perishable Goods in the Age of Social Distancing: How Food Distribution Software Can Help
The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has radically affected how we go about our daily lives. Delivering Perishable Goods has drastically changed in the Age of Social Distancing. With millions of Americans staying home for the foreseeable future due to school closures, job loss, a growing emphasis on remote work, and the obligation to flatten the […]
Clean Labels and Your Perishable Foods Business
Recently, there has been a strong movement in the perishable foods industry over “clean labels”. What began as nothing more than a fad has quickly been spreading across all food industries, but most notably in the perishable foods markets. The “clean label” trend – producing foods with easy to recognize and simple ingredient lists – […]
How Consumer Food Trends are Creating Food Safety Challenges in the Perishable Foods Industry
Running a perishable food company can be incredibly stressful. The hours are long, the competition is fierce, and the rules and regulations are always changing. But there is also another outside factor that many do not consider – changing food trends. With the rise of the digital age, information is easier and more accessible than […]
Why Food Traceability Software is Essential in the Perishable Foods Industry
The perishable foods industry is feeling the pressure to quickly provide real-time information on how food is produced, packaged, shipped, delivered, stored, and stocked in stores. This is especially of interest after incidents like the romaine lettuce E. coli scare in 2018. The entire perishable foods industry is trying to keep up with and react […]
Handling Perishable Food? Here Are 4 Important Tips
Running a perishable food business involves a lot of logistical planning. You have to focus on producing quality products, adhere to food safety regulations, and ensure that the food arrives at its destination in a fresh and safe-to-consume condition. Most importantly, however, you need to make sure everyone handling perishable food knows how to do […]
Food Safety in the Perishable Food Business
When it comes to running a perishable food business, or any food organization for that matter, safety is perhaps the most important aspect that needs to be addressed. If a food has been contaminated in any way, whether it’s throughout the manufacturing, delivery, or storing process, it can harm end consumers. The FDA regulated $417 […]