As the meat industry approaches 2016, it is important to reflect on the drivers of change and innovation that will continue to affect companies in the new year. Consumer demands for on-the-go packaging are growing, and more stringent food safety regulations demand greater strides in recall prevention and execution. In order to keep up with the ever-changing consumer demands and regulations, meat and poultry manufacturers are turning toward automation, convenience-enhancing packaging and more robust workforce development practices to stay ahead of the curve.
Recalls pose a serious risk to meat and poultry manufacturers as they can irreparably damage brand integrity. Many companies aim to prevent these issues through the implementation of demanding food safety standards, even in some cases more stringent than the FDA’s current mandates.