| By definition, processed foods are those that are | | | | granted or renewed. |
| altered from its natural state by applying a certain | | | | Therefore, establishments that are licensed with the |
| step to be able to produce a variant out of that | | | | quality standards usually produce foods that are safe |
| natural food. With meat for example, the pork | | | | to eat. In fact, some producers do not even use |
| undergoes certain processes such as slicing, | | | | preservatives or nitrites which are the usual cause of |
| marinating, smoking and freezing for it to be able to | | | | diseases due to processed foods. That is why most |
| be made into a sausage or Spanish chorizo or as | | | | products should be kept frozen to be able to |
| Filipino's calls it Longganisa (skinless longganisa, tocino, | | | | preserve its quality. The packaging will tell the |
| etc.). One of the reasons for food processing is also | | | | consumers whether the product is of quality or not. |
| to lengthen its shelf life by adding certain spices and | | | | The price can also be a consideration for determining |
| ingredients. This is where the effects of food | | | | quality. Some consumers think that a lesser price is |
| processing come in. Sometimes, too much content of | | | | already a good deal only to know that the product |
| spices and chemicals causes a negative reaction in | | | | with the lesser price does not conform to the quality |
| one's body. Some studies even show that processed | | | | standards. |
| food may cause certain diseases especially with too | | | | Various kinds of processed meats are now available |
| much consumption. | | | | in the market worldwide. There is a growing |
| However, not all processed meat products are the | | | | consumer base for these kind of foods because |
| same. That is why it is important for all consumers to | | | | most of them are easy to cook and prepare, and |
| examine well the product through its packaging. Most | | | | convenient to be packed for kids to bring to their |
| producers of processed meat products now adhere | | | | schools. Examples of processed foods are hams, |
| to certain quality standards that are being managed | | | | sausages, Spanish chorizos, bacon, tocino or |
| by government agencies and private institutions. | | | | sweetened pork, burger patties and a lot more. Each |
| Producers of processed meat are given licenses only | | | | country have their own distinct taste based on their |
| if they follow these set standards by the respective | | | | culture. |
| agencies. Some examples of these standards are | | | | Nowadays, the competition in the processed meat |
| Good Manufacturing Practice or GMP, Hazard Analysis | | | | industry are becoming more and more challenging due |
| Critical Control Points or HACCP, and ISO 2001 that | | | | to the widening variety of the products made and |
| pertains to Quality Management Systems, among | | | | the stiffening competition in terms of adhering to |
| others. These standards focus both on the | | | | standards. Hence, the processed meat producers are |
| ingredients, the processing methods and facilities used | | | | challenged to do more, innovate and incorporate |
| to be able to produce a certain product. Processed | | | | ways to improve their products to be able to do well |
| meat establishments are regularly monitored usually | | | | in the market. This is the bright future that awaits |
| every six months if they follow the prescribed | | | | the processed meat industry. Constantly improving |
| standards for food processing. If the producers do | | | | and innovating for the good health of everyone. |
| not comply, their licenses and permits will not be | | | | |