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Commercial food processing

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OSU Extension supports small and mid-scale food processors with research-based information on food safety, product development and regulatory compliance. We offer technical assistance, training and resources to help businesses grow while producing safe, high-quality food products.

Sanitizer Basics for the Food Industry

By David Stone Jovana Kovacevic and Stephanie Brown

Cleaning and sanitation are critical to maintaining quality and safety in your food industry operation. Make cleaning and sanitizing programs part of your food safety culture. Here's how to make sure those doing your cleaning and sanitizing are invested in safety, adequately trained and supported in their work.

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Latest Resources

Procuring and processing maple and walnut syrup in compliance with Oregon’s Farm Direct Marketing Law

Oregon law allows farmers to turn maple and walnut sap collected on their property into syrup and sell the finished product. Learn how to collect sap, process it into syrup and bottle a true taste of Oregon.

Joy Waite-Cusic, Eric T. Jones, Kelly Streit, Peter Matzka | Sep 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

High Speed Hand Washing - Adult workplace posters

Mini-posters are recommended to be used with the High Speed Hand Washing Adult Workplace Training Guide. Choose the option(s) that best meet your needs. Available in Spanish, English or bilingual. Post them near the sink or portable hand washing station.

May 2025 | Online resource

Are BPA-lined cans safe?

Q: About the canned food we buy in stores, especially tomatoes: does the lining of the can impart some toxic or otherwise dangerous substance to the food?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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Meat and poultry processing regulations in Oregon: A short guide

By Lauren Gwin
Farmers and ranchers around Oregon raise and sell livestock and poultry for a variety of local and regional markets. Processing is a necessary but often complex link in the chain connecting farms to end consumers.

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Latest News

OSU helps launch meat cutting programs in the Pacific Northwest

OSU’s Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network and its partners aim to provide clear and sustainable career pathways for individuals to enter and grow within the meat processing industry.

Chris Branam | May 29, 2025 | News story

Oregon State expands online dairy manufacturing training

Since June 2023, more than 1,000 learners have enrolled; 160 earned certificates, and participants give the program a 98% positive rating.

Kym Pokorny | Jan 14, 2025 | News story

Soaking method affects food safety of 'sprouted' snack ingredients

An Oregon State University study published in 2021 found that soaking raw ingredients – usually grains, nuts or seeds – to make "sprouted" foods lowers the risk of salmonella growth on these increasingly popular healthy snack foods.

Joy Waite-Cusic | Nov 2024 | Impact story

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More food processing resources

  • OSU - Food Innovation Center: The Food Innovation Center offers one stop access to important services for food producers, processors, marketers, and entrepreneurs. Services include a commercial kitchen, marketing support, processing and packing technology, product development, export services and sensory and consumer analysis. It operates through a partnership between Oregon State University and the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
  • Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program (FSES): A research program at Oregon State University committed to providing the highest quality analytical laboratory research support for: chemical food quality assurance, environmental integrity preservation and enhancement of agricultural quality and production. This program developed wristbands to serve as passive samplers that quantitate chemical exposure from our environment.

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Meet Our Experts

Jovana Kovacevic
Associate Professor, Food Safety Specialist
Jung Kwon
Associate Professor of Food Science & Technology
Marcia Walker
Director

Marcia has extensive food safety and product development/innovation experience spanning over 20 years and a well-known speaker and expert in product innovation and new technology commercialization.

Lauren Gwin
Community Food Systems Specialist
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Have a question? Ask Extension!

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Are BPA-lined cans safe?

Q: About the canned food we buy in stores, especially tomatoes: does the lining of the can impart some toxic or otherwise dangerous substance to the food?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

See More Questions