Explore the latest trends, innovations, and solutions in food and beverage manufacturing with FOOD ENGINEERING—your source for processing, packaging, automation, and safety news. https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/rss/15084 en-us For food and beverage manufacturers, AI readiness begins with gaining visibility into the plant that exists today, identifying the risks and constraints that matter most, and establishing a practical roadmap for modernization. For food and beverage manufacturers, AI readiness begins with gaining visibility into the plant that exists today, identifying the risks and constraints that matter most, and establishing a practical roadmap for modernization.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103968 Thu, 15 Oct 2026 08:18:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103968-tips-for-getting-a-food-plant-ready-for-ai Thompsona@bnpmedia.com (Alyse Thompson-Richards) Food and beverage manufacturers encounter significant challenges beyond simply delivering products, including tightening regulations, rising costs, and labor shortages. Despite these obstacles, they continue to prioritize investments in food safety, traceability, automation, and sustainability to enhance operational efficiency. Food and beverage manufacturers encounter significant challenges beyond simply delivering products, including tightening regulations, rising costs, and labor shortages. Despite these obstacles, they continue to prioritize investments in food safety, traceability, automation, and sustainability to enhance operational efficiency.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103945 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103945-the-state-of-food-manufacturing-in-2026 The U.S. HHS and FDA have submitted a proposed definition of "ultra-processed foods" to the OMB for review. Developed with feedback from various stakeholders, the definition aims to create federal uniformity, but it has not yet been published in the Federal Register. The U.S. HHS and FDA have submitted a proposed definition of "ultra-processed foods" to the OMB for review. Developed with feedback from various stakeholders, the definition aims to create federal uniformity, but it has not yet been published in the Federal Register.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103964 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103964-hhs-fda-submit-proposed-definition-of-ultra-processed-foods-for-final-review In addition to artificial intelligence (AI), big data and sustainability concerns, food industry professionals taking part in PMMI's research emphasized health-driven product shifts, ongoing workforce constraints and heightened sanitation scrutiny. In addition to artificial intelligence (AI), big data and sustainability concerns, food industry professionals taking part in PMMI's research emphasized health-driven product shifts, ongoing workforce constraints and heightened sanitation scrutiny.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103961 Tue, 06 Oct 2026 23:59:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103961-ai-big-data-and-sustainability-top-the-list-of-industry-concerns Just like a generic ERP in food manufacturing will never function as efficiently as a purpose-built ERP, the same holds true for AI. Just like a generic ERP in food manufacturing will never function as efficiently as a purpose-built ERP, the same holds true for AI.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103957 Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103957-generic-erp-lessons-food-manufacturers-should-apply-to-ai-solutions Plants often have aging equipment that works fine, and it may have sensors, but in many cases that data never connects with data from other siloed processes. Why not connect all the data together with intelligent networks and use AI to get a better understanding of the whole process? Plants often have aging equipment that works fine, and it may have sensors, but in many cases that data never connects with data from other siloed processes. Why not connect all the data together with intelligent networks and use AI to get a better understanding of the whole process?

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103959 Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103959-dont-scrap-your-equipment-connect-it-instead Thompsona@bnpmedia.com (Alyse Thompson-Richards) New research from FlexXray explores how food manufacturers detect and prevent contamination from foreign materials, as well as their future investments in inspection technologies. New research from FlexXray explores how food manufacturers detect and prevent contamination from foreign materials, as well as their future investments in inspection technologies.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103958 Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103958-how-are-food-manufacturers-investing-in-inspection-and-detection-technologies As automation has become increasingly sophisticated, reusable plastic packaging has evolved alongside it. Rather than viewing packaging simply as something that transports products from point A to point B, manufacturers can view it as an integral part of the automated system. As automation has become increasingly sophisticated, reusable plastic packaging has evolved alongside it. Rather than viewing packaging simply as something that transports products from point A to point B, manufacturers can view it as an integral part of the automated system.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103950 Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103950-how-reusable-plastic-packaging-supports-the-future-of-automation-in-food-manufacturing A spectrometer watching a conveyor or checking a stainless steel surface between shifts may sound futuristic, but research suggests we may not be as far from that factory as we think. A spectrometer watching a conveyor or checking a stainless steel surface between shifts may sound futuristic, but research suggests we may not be as far from that factory as we think.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103949 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103949-before-the-recall-how-spectroscopy-can-help-food-producers-find-problems-faster For Pearl Crop, a processor of nuts and seeds based in California, seasonal labor pressures prompted a search for a more flexible automation strategy, ultimately leading the company to explore a robot rental model rather than a traditional capital equipment purchase. For Pearl Crop, a processor of nuts and seeds based in California, seasonal labor pressures prompted a search for a more flexible automation strategy, ultimately leading the company to explore a robot rental model rather than a traditional capital equipment purchase.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103948 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:18:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103948-how-pearl-crop-turned-to-rented-robots-to-combat-seasonal-labor-concerns Whatever the manufacturing model, the fundamental principle remains the same: food safety cannot be designed solely around yesterday's problems. The facilities best prepared for the next pathogen will be the ones designed to recognize change, reassess risk and adapt before that risk becomes a recall. Whatever the manufacturing model, the fundamental principle remains the same: food safety cannot be designed solely around yesterday's problems. The facilities best prepared for the next pathogen will be the ones designed to recognize change, reassess risk and adapt before that risk becomes a recall.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103946 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103946-is-your-manufacturing-facility-prepared-for-future-food-safety-risks Manufacturers have a strategic opportunity to unlock operational efficiency, supply chain transparency and direct consumer engagement by taking tangible steps in their 2D barcode journey. Manufacturers have a strategic opportunity to unlock operational efficiency, supply chain transparency and direct consumer engagement by taking tangible steps in their 2D barcode journey.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103944 Tue, 29 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103944-11-steps-manufacturers-should-take-to-prepare-for-the-2d-barcode-transition AI projects in food manufacturing have slowed down because large data projects have not provided great results. This has limited progress in the field. Now, a new group of data system integrators is here to help. They offer services like semantic labeling and data context, which can speed up new strategies in the industry. AI projects in food manufacturing have slowed down because large data projects have not provided great results. This has limited progress in the field. Now, a new group of data system integrators is here to help. They offer services like semantic labeling and data context, which can speed up new strategies in the industry.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103943 Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103943-how-to-accelerate-water-and-energy-pilot-projects-with-data-context-tools To stay competitive, chicken processing facilities need line equipment that delivers flexibility to handle multiple products, simplicity to support a less-skilled workforce and service support to maximize uptime. To stay competitive, chicken processing facilities need line equipment that delivers flexibility to handle multiple products, simplicity to support a less-skilled workforce and service support to maximize uptime.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103941 Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103941-improving-chicken-processing-with-flexibility-easy-to-use-equipment Some industry conversations fail to distinguish between genuine innovation and long-established automation, leaving plant and supply chain executives to make investment decisions without enough clarity to evaluate what they're actually buying. Some industry conversations fail to distinguish between genuine innovation and long-established automation, leaving plant and supply chain executives to make investment decisions without enough clarity to evaluate what they're actually buying.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103940 Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103940-how-food-manufacturers-should-evaluate-ai-for-true-innovation Product can be left behind in containers, lost during transfers, damaged in handling or discarded due to inventory expiration or poor stock rotation. Over time, these incremental losses add up, especially when working with viscous or high-value liquid ingredients. Product can be left behind in containers, lost during transfers, damaged in handling or discarded due to inventory expiration or poor stock rotation. Over time, these incremental losses add up, especially when working with viscous or high-value liquid ingredients.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103939 Mon, 28 Sep 2026 10:04:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103939-4-ways-to-reduce-product-loss-in-fluid-ingredient-processing Rather than a hodge-podge of sanitation and cleaning records scattered everywhere, why not tie them together digitally so they’re available in minutes or hours rather than days or weeks? Rather than a hodge-podge of sanitation and cleaning records scattered everywhere, why not tie them together digitally so they’re available in minutes or hours rather than days or weeks?

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103880 Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103880-cleaning-and-sanitation-organize-and-record-your-data-with-the-right-tools By enabling processors to control product conditions during receiving, staging and shipping, bulk tanker heating systems help bridge the gap between logistics and production. What was once an unpredictable step is now a controlled, repeatable process. By enabling processors to control product conditions during receiving, staging and shipping, bulk tanker heating systems help bridge the gap between logistics and production. What was once an unpredictable step is now a controlled, repeatable process.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103924 Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103924-bringing-temperature-control-to-over-the-road-tankers-and-iso-tanks Contaminant-specific testing provides a clearer understanding of the dust, biological contaminants and loading characteristics present within individual production areas, allowing facilities to select filtration strategies that support operational performance, product quality and long-term system efficiency. Contaminant-specific testing provides a clearer understanding of the dust, biological contaminants and loading characteristics present within individual production areas, allowing facilities to select filtration strategies that support operational performance, product quality and long-term system efficiency.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103923 Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:15:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103923-why-food-processing-facilities-need-contaminant-specific-ambient-air-testing Thompsona@bnpmedia.com (Alyse Thompson-Richards) Christine Daugherty, vice president and chief sustainability officer at Conagra Brands, discusses the company’s approach to developing goals for packaging, carbon reduction and water stewardship, as well as Conagra’s Sustainable Development Awards, which recognize innovative, plant-level efforts to operate more sustainably. Christine Daugherty, vice president and chief sustainability officer at Conagra Brands, discusses the company’s approach to developing goals for packaging, carbon reduction and water stewardship, as well as Conagra’s Sustainable Development Awards, which recognize innovative, plant-level efforts to operate more sustainably.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103916 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103916-how-conagra-brands-advances-plant-level-sustainability Thompsona@bnpmedia.com (Alyse Thompson-Richards) See where the world’s leading food and beverage companies landed in FOOD ENGINEERING's 2026 Top 100 ranking, as economic pressures, major acquisitions and shifting strategies reshaped the industry in 2025. See where the world’s leading food and beverage companies landed in FOOD ENGINEERING's 2026 Top 100 ranking, as economic pressures, major acquisitions and shifting strategies reshaped the industry in 2025.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103878 Tue, 15 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103878-food-engineerings-2026-top-100-food-and-beverage-companies FE Top100 Food & Beverage Companies with no text Thompsona@bnpmedia.com (Alyse Thompson-Richards) One of my favorite times of the year is approaching, and it’s not just because autumn is on its way. While I do enjoy the cooler temperatures and the seasonal activities that fall brings, this time of year also marks the release of our annual Top 100 ranking. One of my favorite times of the year is approaching, and it’s not just because autumn is on its way. While I do enjoy the cooler temperatures and the seasonal activities that fall brings, this time of year also marks the release of our annual Top 100 ranking.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103882 Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103882-top-100-ingredient-processors-pinched-in-2025 A failed expansion joint can release hazardous media, damage adjacent equipment and trigger unplanned shutdowns, but a preventive maintenance program with scheduled professional survey inspections can reduce failure events. A failed expansion joint can release hazardous media, damage adjacent equipment and trigger unplanned shutdowns, but a preventive maintenance program with scheduled professional survey inspections can reduce failure events.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103910 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:12:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103910-key-preventive-maintenance-considerations-for-expansion-joints-in-food-processing-plants While the mixing and blending of liquid ingredients into a liquid product is an exact, controlled process, combining dry ingredients has unique challenges that have been difficult to control with automation. Finally, sensors and automation are here to help. While the mixing and blending of liquid ingredients into a liquid product is an exact, controlled process, combining dry ingredients has unique challenges that have been difficult to control with automation. Finally, sensors and automation are here to help.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103881 Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103881-mixing-and-blending-of-dry-ingredients-art-gets-a-little-help-from-science The recalls making headlines are not happening because food manufacturers stopped caring about safety. They are happening because the systems designed to catch problems are built to record what happened, not to prevent what is about to happen. This is one area where agentic AI can be transformational for food supply chains. The recalls making headlines are not happening because food manufacturers stopped caring about safety. They are happening because the systems designed to catch problems are built to record what happened, not to prevent what is about to happen. This is one area where agentic AI can be transformational for food supply chains.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103901 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:05:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103901-from-recall-reaction-to-prevention-how-ai-is-changing-food-safety-execution The cultivated meat sector faces many challenges, especially in scaling production. AI — and in particular hybrid model digital twins — can help overcome critical hurdles to industry viability. The cultivated meat sector faces many challenges, especially in scaling production. AI — and in particular hybrid model digital twins — can help overcome critical hurdles to industry viability.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103897 Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103897-is-ai-the-missing-link-in-the-commercialization-of-cultivated-meat Thompsona@bnpmedia.com (Alyse Thompson-Richards) FOOD ENGINEERING EIC Alyse Thompson-Richards recaps some recent plant openings and expansions in the food and beverage industry. FOOD ENGINEERING EIC Alyse Thompson-Richards recaps some recent plant openings and expansions in the food and beverage industry.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103894 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103894-food-plant-openings-and-expansions-august-2026 Documentation is written to demonstrate compliance, but the knowledge that keeps lines running lives somewhere else entirely: in the heads and hands of a shrinking group of veteran operators. Documentation is written to demonstrate compliance, but the knowledge that keeps lines running lives somewhere else entirely: in the heads and hands of a shrinking group of veteran operators.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103888 Mon, 31 Aug 2026 09:50:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103888-the-food-manufacturing-documentation-paradox-audit-ready-plants-undocumented-know-how With rising demand for protein, food manufacturers are turning to plant-based proteins, precision fermentation, and AI-powered tools for innovation. Pea protein is becoming popular, and new partnerships and digital technologies are aiding in reformulation and product development. With rising demand for protein, food manufacturers are turning to plant-based proteins, precision fermentation, and AI-powered tools for innovation. Pea protein is becoming popular, and new partnerships and digital technologies are aiding in reformulation and product development.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103890 Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103890-alt-protein-targets-scale-and-new-product-development The FDA proposes making the GRAS notification program mandatory, requiring food substances to demonstrate safety for their intended use, aiming to enhance transparency and regulation. The process would apply to both existing and new substances, with some exceptions, and initial evaluations would take 45 days. The FDA proposes making the GRAS notification program mandatory, requiring food substances to demonstrate safety for their intended use, aiming to enhance transparency and regulation. The process would apply to both existing and new substances, with some exceptions, and initial evaluations would take 45 days.

]]> http://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103889 Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/103889-fda-proposes-rule-to-make-gras-notification-mandatory