Commercial food processing involves producing large quantities of food beyond what can be used by a single household. Different kinds of food can be processed into a variety of products and sold both within the State and out of State and may involve partnering with wholesalers to reach as many markets as possible. Making large volumes of food comes with a greater responsibility to ensure that food does not make people sick.
Navigating the world of commercial food processing can be quite challenging when you first start out. In addition to making a product liked by consumers, you may have to meet requirements by the Illinois Department of Public health, Illinois Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and or the Food and Drug Administration depending on where you sell your food products. There are many requirements including labeling, training, registration, development of food safety plans, facility inspections among others. Find out which requirements apply to your operation.
Get answers to these questions to help you in the process.
Are you planning to sell food or food products as a retailer (selling directly to consumers) or as a wholesaler (selling to other businesses who then resell your products)?
- What type of food product are you planning to sell?
- Is your food product a low-acid canned food product or an acidified food product?
- What percentage of food does your firm/business sell as wholesale?
- Do you plan to sell your food products across state lines?
- With your responses to the above questions, find more guidance on requirements and expectations from the Illinois Department of Public Health.