Food plays a crucial role in daily life, providing essential ingredients for restaurants, the food processing industry, and everyday meals. In the past, food production was small-scale and manual, but today, food is produced according to standardized processes. Whether large factories or small and medium-sized enterprises, production on a larger scale is more professional, resulting in high-quality products and increased production efficiency.
Technology And Changes In The Food Production Industry
Currently, the world’s population is 7.86 billion, which translates to a greater demand for food. The use of technology to improve production methods not only increases productivity and quality but also extends shelf life and ensures food safety. According to ING Group's report, technology is helping ensure food security for the global population.
Production Lines And Robotics
The application of robotics in the food industry is a prime example of technological integration. In Europe, the number of robots used in the food sector has risen to 30,000, with an increase from 62 robots per 10,000 workers in 2013 to 84 robots per 10,000 workers in 2017. Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Italy are among the countries with the highest use of robots.
Robots help prevent workplace accidents in hazardous tasks. For instance, in slaughterhouses, robots are used to cut meat in areas difficult to handle manually, increasing productivity and reducing injuries. This is a major advancement brought by technology. Additionally, robots help reduce labor costs, as fewer workers are needed, and they ensure consistent production quality.
3d Printing Technology In The Food Industry
Can 3D printing technology be used in the food industry? Yes, in recent years, 3D printing has become increasingly common, with many machines emerging. For example, NASA has experimented with 3D printing a pizza, and hospitals use it to create soft food for patients who cannot consume solid food.
However, these machines are not yet capable of producing meals with the same taste as those prepared manually, and they are mainly used for creating supplementary meals. But in the future, this could change, and we may even surpass current expectations. This is a new development that promises to modernize and ensure the sustainability of the food processing industry globally. Scientists are also working on inventing 3D printers capable of producing food with a shelf life of up to 30 years – something to look forward to.
Packaging And Waste
Food production offers numerous benefits to humans, but it also significantly impacts the environment, particularly regarding pollution. As a result, there is a growing trend toward sustainable, healthy products that ensure environmental sustainability. Consumers are increasingly choosing brands that are safe and do not harm present and future generations.
To meet this demand, many companies are applying new technologies, such as robots and digital production methods, to replace plastic and nylon packaging. Innovations like micro packaging, antibacterial packaging, and edible packaging are being introduced. Additionally, food waste, which accounts for around 30% of all food, is being repurposed through technology to create supplemental food for other industries.
Two Mandatory Principles For Safe Production
Most food production and processing facilities in Vietnam import fresh raw materials daily. Therefore, it is essential to follow certain guidelines to ensure stable and safe inputs.
Input Material Inspection
- Purchase ingredients from reliable, certified sources with hygiene and food safety certificates from authorized agencies.
- Only import raw materials that meet hygiene standards, limits on harmful microorganisms, pesticide residues, and veterinary drugs.
- For fish, meat, and vegetables, prioritize suppliers with GAP certification. A contract should be signed between the supplier and buyer, including warranty commitments.
- Staff should check the freshness of products upon receipt, as well as the quality of storage during transport. This can be done through sensory checks or with the aid of measuring devices.
- Record details such as origin, composition, ingredients, supplier contact, date of entry, batch numbers, etc., to facilitate future verification.
Ensuring Food Safety Standards in Production Facilities
Food production facilities must adhere to safety standards, including:
- Following a one-way production process: stock – preliminary processing – production – processing – finished goods – storage – distribution.
- Avoid cross-contaminating materials that could compromise nutrition and hygiene. For example, cooked food should not be stored near raw food, and separate areas should be designated for meat and fish processing.
- Ensure water used for washing is non-toxic, preferably with flowing water, and consider using safe cleaning solutions.
Overall, food production is an essential industry that cannot be replaced or eliminated. The integration of technology has significantly reduced manual labor, ensuring better food preservation. However, it is crucial for humans to proactively inspect and make timely adjustments or repairs if any equipment malfunctions or is unsuitable.
Company Contact Information
- Company Name: Moca Technology Co., Ltd.
- Tax ID: 0314313469
- Address: 5th Floor, 278 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- Phone: +84 898 22 44 69
- Email: sales@moca-tech.vn
