Two Ways Food Processing Kettles Prevent Waste — And Help the World

Global population levels are growing rapidly. By 2050, the world’s population is expected to reach 9.7 billion, and keeping each of those people fed will be a challenge. It’s estimated that global food production will have to increase by an estimated 60 percent to keep up with demand.

But in addition to increasing production, it’s possible to help feed our growing population by reducing food waste. In food manufacturing 32.4 percent of all food waste is tied to production issues, much of which could be prevented. 

However, food production kettles can be a big asset in the fight against food waste, both in their actual function and in the larger application of food safety guidelines in the production process. Here are two key areas where they can make a difference.

1 – Reducing Food Waste with Hemispherical Kettles

The actual shape of a food processing kettle plays a significant role in the food waste it produces. In contrast to a horizontal blender, a hemispherical kettle is well-equipped to reduce the amount of food lost in the production process.

Since a horizontal blender design includes mixing gaps in the unswept portions of the vessel walls, it’s possible that ingredients used in food processing may not be discharged fully, leading to waste as leftover ingredients stay lodged in the vessel after a batch. And given the heating limitations of a horizontal blender, it’s also possible to lose ingredients due to burn-on or other inconsistent heating.

A hemispherical kettle, however, heats more evenly and has a continuous scraper system to help discharge ingredients quickly and efficiently, limiting the possibility of ingredients remaining in the vessel after cooking and reducing the amount of waste in each batch.

2 – Reducing Recalls with FSMA Compliance

The 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act represented one of the most comprehensive food safety reforms in more than 70 years. The FSMA touches nearly every aspect of the food manufacturing business and protects consumers by optimizing food sanitation standards throughout the country and mandating recalls for food products reasonably considered to be a risk to the public. The Act has gradually taken effect throughout the food processing industry and nearly all businesses will be expected to be in full compliance by 2019.

Since it was first passed, Lee Industries has been committed to helping our customers achieve and maintain compliance with the FSMA. By developing several key food safety advancements for our processing kettles, we made it possible for customers to quickly come into compliance with the new guidelines. And now that the final implementation deadlines are approaching, we’re continuing our commitment to compliance by equipping our customers with the information they need to navigate the post-FSMA implementation world. 

This pursuit is not Lee’s alone; helping the entire food industry comply with new safety standards only serves to protect consumers and reduce waste across the board. By giving our customers the tools to produce food efficiently and safely, both through equipment and FSMA compliance, we can help reduce food waste in the United States and around the world. Global demand may continue to increase, but by taking careful steps to reduce food waste, we’ll be headed in the right direction to achieve a sustainable food future.