Food technology helps manufacturers meet the growing global demand for food safety and quality. It curbs food wastage while enhancing food preservation strategies. With food tech, manufacturers can ascertain more energy-efficient and cost-effective food processes. Staying abreast with the latest technology developments can help food manufacturers adapt their processes to ensure they’re current. Discussed below are five food tech trends in 2024.
1. Advanced metal detection technology
Metal detection technology guarantees consumer protection. Metallic food contaminants present in the raw materials or those that enter during production can cause severe harm to the end product user. This may lead to costly recalls and compensation claims. When impure food items are released into the market, manufacturers can lose consumer trust, and brand image can be tarnished. Thankfully, food metal detectors can ensure food purity and safety by effectively safeguarding against non-ferrous and ferrous metals.
These detectors can be included in each production process phase and utilized in various applications, including the inspection of bakery and dairy products. Reliable metal detector experts such as TDI Packsys can provide the best metal detectors to help manufacturers detect metal traces that could have contaminated products during production. The good thing is that you don’t have to own the equipment – you can either rent or lease.
2. Alternative proteins
Alternative proteins are food technology and plant-based animal protein alternatives. They’re meant to mimic animal-derived proteins in texture, culinary experience, and taste, plus availability and price. While alternative proteins emulate their animal counterparts in multiple ways, they have significant distinctions that make them attractive to most consumers and manufacturers. For instance, unlike animal proteins, alternative proteins have lower environmental effects. Alt proteins can be made through fermentation or be produced from animal or plant cells.
3. AI-driven food waste management
While traditional methods like just-in-time inventory systems can help lower food wastage, they’re not as effective. AI-based solutions can help address the food waste concern by optimizing supply chain management, reducing food spoilage, and predicting demand. AI also comes in handy in sorting and grading food items, minimizing food waste during production. AI-based strategies for reducing food wastage include:
4. Food robotics
Food robotics is the use of automation and robots in food industry manufacturing. Robots process and package more products in less time, scaling up production while making it easier to meet rising customer demand. Food robots help lower the labor needed in packaging and production, cutting costs and enhancing food safety. The use of robots and automation in food packaging, processing, and manufacturing leads to:
5. 3D food printing
3D food printing involves using 3D printers to make different food designs and shapes. It includes the use of edible materials like chocolate, dough, and pureed fruits. 3D food printing offers multiple rewards, including:
Endnote
Food tech betters product safety, efficiency, and productivity. Familiarize yourself with the food tech trends to leverage in 2024.
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