Employees in the food manufacturing industry transform livestock and agricultural products into products for consumption. These workers process raw animal and vegetable materials into food products. Then, the products are sold to wholesalers or retainers for distribution to consumers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were more than 1.7 million food manufacturing employees in May 2024. These roles included food batch makers, packaging and filling machine operators and tenders, and first-line supervisors and managers of production and operating workers.
Learn more about working in food manufacturing with these frequently asked questions.
What are the typical job responsibilities for a food manufacturing associate?
A food manufacturing associate works with a team to ensure efficient production while meeting safety and quality standards. This hands-on role requires attention to detail and a commitment to producing quality products.
Typical job responsibilities for a food manufacturing associate include:
- Adhering to good manufacturing processes (GPMs)
- Following production timelines and quotas
- Accurately implementing written and verbal instructions
- Maintaining a safe, sanitary work environment
- Accurately weighing and measuring ingredients to ensure product consistency and quality
- Operating mixers, grinders, ovens, filling machines, and other food processing equipment
- Performing quality control checks to ensure standards are met
- Packaging and labeling finished items for shipment
What are common job requirements for a food manufacturing associate?
Common job requirements for a food manufacturing associate include:
- Ability to follow safety guidelines and food safety regulations
- Basic math and measuring skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to stand for long periods and perform repetitive tasks
- Strong communication and time management skills
- Ability to regularly lift and move heavy items
Which tasks does a food manufacturing machine operator perform?
A food manufacturing machine operation performs the following tasks:
- Following formulas to compound or process ingredients or dye
- Staging materials and weighing chemicals
- Adding chemicals and ingredients to machines for processing
- Using hand tools and other devices to mix ingredients
- Operating machinery to blend food products, color pigments, and other materials
What are the hygiene standards for food manufacturing?
Food manufacturing employees must follow these standards:
- Comply with the food code
- Wear clean clothes to work
- Maintain clean, tidy hair
- Keep fingernails short
- Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds
- Wash fingertips, between fingers, palms, and backs of hands
- Rinse hands to remove soap and pathogens
- Thoroughly dry hands with a paper towel
- Wear plastic gloves when preparing food
- Eat and drink in designated areas
Are You Looking for a Food Manufacturing Role?
Impact Staffing can match you with food manufacturing roles that fit your goals, skills, and experience. Visit our job board to apply for a role today.
