A new easy-to-use iPhone app for the food industry has been released. The Establishment Number Finder App is the first iPhone app dedicated to searching a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) product establishment number.  The new app offers instant access to a product’s manufacturer and provides further information about that company. In addition to identifying the company, the app offers its address, telephone number and web address. 

All containers of meat, poultry and egg products must be labeled with a USDA mark of inspection and establishment (EST) number, which is assigned to the plant, where the product was produced.  The establishment number may appear on the package within the USDA mark of inspection. Or, it may appear elsewhere on the exterior of the package container or package labeling. Users simply type a product’s establishment number into the app and discover the producer or manufacturer of the product.

By clicking on the identified source, the Establishment Number Finder App also allows users to view the company’s location using Apple Maps or directly connect to the company’s telephone number or link to the company’s website using Safari.

The app was designed to be customized for every individual.  The Establishment Number Finder App allows users to save any establishment number previously searched, as well as an option to quickly note information regarding the product. Users may also take of picture of the product which will automatically appear along with any additional company information that can be easily saved and stored. 

The Establishment Number Finder App will offer frequent updates throughout the year including the addition of new companies in the food industry and background information. The Establishment Number Finder App can be found in the Apple App Store.

Questions or comments about The Establishment Number Finder App can be directed to: estnumberfinder@gmail.com. The new iPhone app was developed by Edward M. Bleka, Jr. a freshman and finance major at Chicago’s DePaul University. 

According to Bleka, “Each day members of the food industry as well as consumers and restaurant chefs find themselves searching for the source of a food product.  This new app provides all the information needed at the palm of your hand.”

Bleka has been involved with the food business at an early age.  He works as intern at Quantum Foods, LLC.

Source:  Establishment Finder