Food Processing refers to the transformation of raw agricultural products into consumable food items through a range of mechanical, chemical, and biological methods. This includes cleaning, sorting, milling, cooking, packaging, preservation, and fortification processes that enhance the safety, quality, and shelf-life of food. The primary goal of food processing is to make food more palatable, nutritious, and accessible, while ensuring food safety and reducing post-harvest losses.
Modern food processing combines advanced technologies such as automation, thermal and non-thermal treatments, freeze drying, vacuum sealing, and high-pressure processing to meet growing consumer demands for convenience, hygiene, and quality. It also plays a vital role in food security, enabling large-scale production and storage of essential food products.