By definition, processed foods are those that are altered from its natural state by applying a certain step to be able to produce a variant out of that natural food. With meat for example, the pork undergoes certain processes such as slicing, marinating, smoking and freezing for it to be able to be made into a sausage or Spanish chorizo or as Filipino’s calls it Longganisa (skinless longganisa, tocino, etc.). One of the reasons for food processing is also to lengthen its shelf life by adding certain spices and ingredients. This is where the effects of food processing come in. Sometimes, too much content of spices and chemicals causes a negative reaction in one’s body. Some studies even show that processed food may cause certain diseases especially with too much consumption.

However, not all processed meat products are the same. That is why it is important for all consumers to examine well the product through its packaging. Most producers of processed meat products now adhere to certain quality standards that are being managed by government agencies and private institutions. Producers of processed meat are given licenses only if they follow these set standards by the respective agencies. Some examples of these standards are Good Manufacturing Practice or GMP, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points or HACCP, and ISO 2001 that pertains to Quality Management Systems, among others. These standards focus both on the ingredients, the processing methods and facilities used to be able to produce a certain product. Processed meat establishments are regularly monitored usually every six months if they follow the prescribed standards for food processing. If the producers do not comply, their licenses and permits will not be granted or renewed. Continue reading “Tips on Processed Meat Products Or Processed Foods”