When researchers for the study asked food manufacturers about the challenges they face in meeting regulatory requirements, more than half indicated training employees as a top challenge. They also noted hurdles in getting all organizational stakeholders on the same page, as well as keeping track of new or changing regulations.

Digital integration is becoming an essential tool in the food industry. Still, not all operations have achieved the levels necessary to leverage the full benefits of a highly networked facility, especially in terms of food safety and sanitation procedures.

End users currently prioritize core sanitation fundamentals — such as material choice, design and cleaning non-porous surfaces — over advanced technologies. Additional considerations, such as corrosion resistance and sealed components, reflect expectations around equipment durability and cleaning efficiency. While technology-centric features, like automated cleaning and digital integration, are currently lower priorities, they may serve as future differentiators rather than immediate decision drivers.

For example, only a handful of surveyed end users (16%) are using an enterprise resource planning system in their sanitation processes. “OEMs and suppliers may need to help end users achieve greater levels of digital integration — like connecting sanitation processes to operation-wide software management systems — to unlock the additional benefits of connected operations,” said Jim Pittas, president and CEO for PMMI.

OEMs that align with top-to-mid-level priorities today, while innovating for tomorrow, will be best positioned to meet shifting food safety and sanitation needs.

With most end users linking both sanitation processes and chemical use to machine wear, OEMs and suppliers may need to explore new strategies to increase the durability of their machines. While 81% of OEMs report incorporating corrosion-resistance properties on their equipment, end users continue to experience wear, suggesting that current measures may not fully address the realities of increasingly aggressive sanitation protocols.

From incorporating food safety- and sanitation-compliant design features into their machinery to offering consulting services, OEMs and suppliers play an essential role in helping end users maintain safe and compliant operations.

“It is important for OEMs and suppliers to work closely with their customers to stay informed about applicable regulations and standards, and adjust machinery and services accordingly,” said Jorge Izquierdo, vice president, market development, PMMI.

Packaging and processing professionals can fast-track decisions and maximize ROI for their food safety and sanitation operations at Pack Expo East, taking place from Feb. 17 to 19, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in the heart of Philadelphia. 

Combining scale and accessibility, the show delivers packaging and processing innovation without cross-country travel. Conveniently located for much of the East Coast, Pack Expo East 2026 covers more than 40 verticals and presents an opportunity for teams to explore hundreds of solutions together, align on strategy, spark ideas and build the connections that drive business forward, all while saving time and money. The show will feature 8,000 attendees, 500 exhibitors, 125,000 square feet of exhibit space, free educational sessions and many networking opportunities.  

Those interested in attending can learn more and register at packexpoeast.com. The early registration rate is $30; after Jan. 23, 2026, the price increases to $130. 

Source: PMMI