The food industry is continuously growing which is why they are also in constant need of workers. When recession hit the economic world, the food industry survived from the perils of bankruptcy and closure. It’s because people need food in order to live and the demand for it continues to rise especially now that there are all sorts of new ingredients, high-tech equipment, and innovative food processing methods.
It’s good to know that there are many food production jobs to choose from especially if you happen to have a degree in culinary arts or business administration. You also improve your chances of getting hired if you hold years of relevant work experience and have undergone training. Among these jobs, the most popular are:1. Food Production Service Jobs
If cooking is your passion, then this job is for you. You can work as an executive chef, line cook or short-order cook in a restaurant, hotel, diner, coffeehouse, or fast food chain. The job requires cooking, preparing the day’s menu, and working with the kitchen staff.A fast-paced and challenging work environment awaits anyone who gets into these jobs. If you want to be an executive chef, you have to hold a 2-year or 4-year degree in culinary arts. However, for those aspiring to be a line cook or short-order cook, a high school diploma is enough. Chefs can earn as much as $66,000 a year while line cooks and short-order cooks earn an average of $24,000 annually.2. Food Production Management Jobs
Food production managers have varied responsibilities depending on where they work and the nature of their job. For starters, you can work in a restaurant as a manager wherein you monitor other employees and perform other duties such as ordering supplies, keeping inventories, hiring and training workers, and many more.Aside from restaurants, you can also manage food production in institutions like schools and hospitals. You help plan the menus and see to it that they meet the diets of consumers. You also see to it that cleanliness and orderliness are well-maintained. In addition, you supervise employers under you, handle complaints, and provide fast solutions to problems.3. Factory Food Processing Jobs
Working in a food factory can be stressful but fun at the same time. Many factories hire food processors to help weigh raw foods, and process, package, and document their products effectively. The job isn’t strict about educational background but you have to be able to follow directions strictly and pay attention to details.Under this job category, you may also apply as quality assurance manager as long as you hold a science-related degree. As manager, you’ll monitor other workers and ensure that food-processing standards are met.If you think you can survive in these jobs, there’s no reason not to apply. They dynamic world of food production awaits you.

In the early 20th century, in response to increasing public education about the conditions of meat packing plants and the actual ingredients of certain products, the U.S. federal government enacted the Pure Food and Drug Act. This Act required that federal agents inspect meat products, that certain drugs be labeled correctly, and that dangerous or poisonous foods and medications were not manufactured or sold. Eventually, this Act helped form the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which currently regulates the safety and effectiveness of our food and medicine.Food and drug companies are still subjected to federal inspections and must abide by certain laws set in place for the safety of consumers. Unfortunately, not all companies follow these laws, and as a result, dangerous food and drug products still hit the shelves. When you buy your food products off the shelf, you do not always know exactly where the food came from and exactly what it contains.Food RecallsTo further protect consumers, the U.S. FDA forces companies to recall unsafe or contaminated products that can cause illness or harm. Common reasons for food recalls include:Mislabeled or undeclared allergens
Possible bacterial contamination
Dangerous chemicals in food dyes, fillers, and preservatives
Contaminants in animal drugs and hormones
Foreign materials like metal or wood
Improper or mishandled packagingConsumers should stay updated about current food recalls to avoid buying dangerous products and prevent illness. Additionally, by learning about the process of food production, manufacture, and distribution in the U.S., consumers can help protect themselves from dangerous products.