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Food and Agricultural Products Center

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Supporting Innovation

Our faculty and staff have expertise in business and technical disciplines to support the innovation and growth of food and agricultural products and processing and promote food safety for consumers.

1000+CLIENTS

including large and small businesses, producers and entrepreneurs

3000+PROJECTS

focusing on food and agricultural business and technical disciplines

Facilities & Equipment for Food Processing

It is estimated about 20,000 new food products are introduced annually. Whether it is product development by well-established food manufacturers or the launch of a small entrepreneurial company, research and development is required before a product goes to market. FAPC has specialized rooms, laboratories and equipment focusing on animal harvesting, food manufacturing, grain milling and baking, sensory profiling, food microbiology and analytical services, as well as demonstration and prototype testing that meet the needs and demands of the food and agricultural industries.

Food Processing

Oklahoma’s food processing sector contributes over $2 billion and provides nearly 18,000 jobs and a payroll of $711 million to the state’s economy. FAPC’s processing facility was designed with the needs of the Oklahoma food and agricultural products processing industry in mind; therefore, it fits all levels of the industry. The value-added, one-of-a-kind center has processing expertise and capabilities in the areas of meat cuts, processed meats, cereal grains and baked goods, and fruit and vegetable products.

Food Safety, Quality Management & Sanitation

Delivering a product that not only is of a consistent quality but also safe for consumers is a high priority for the food industry. Proper sanitation procedures perform an important portion of daily operation and a necessary step in food safety. Appropriate guidance on use of sanitation chemicals and procedures for equipment is a highly important technique in food processing. FAPC has expertise in food safety, quality assurance and sanitation practices to meet the needs and demands of the food and agricultural industries.

Packaging & Labeling

Proper packaging and labeling is critical to attract consumers, meet necessary regulations and be food safety compliant. FDA and USDA have certain labeling requirements food processors must use to communicate needed information to those using and purchasing food products. FAPC has expertise in reviewing labels for compliance and visual appeal, and problem solving through the critical decision-making process in finding the right packaging, whether it is a new product or a product line packaging update.

Regulations, Customer Requirements & Compliance

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law in 2011, giving FDA new authorities to regulate the way foods are grown, harvested and processed. This caused an increase in requirements for preventive controls, as well as good monitoring and record keeping. A food safety plan is a must for all levels of the food industry, and third-party audit programs are being required by a greater number of wholesale and retail customers. Complying with federal, state and local regulations, as well as customer requirements can be complex and puzzling. FAPC can help food producers and processors put the puzzle pieces together through many of its services and trainings to include global food safety systems, produce safety alliance requirements, HACCP, internal auditing and preventive controls for human food/animal foods.

Sustainability & Environmental Concerns

A sustainable foodsystem is one that provides healthy food to meet current food needs, while maintaining healthy ecosystems that also can provide food for generations to come with minimal negative impact to the environment. Consumers’ perceptions and desires are serious driving forces,  which shape how the food industry operates. Sustainable practices of food manufacturers are imperative in today’s food processing environment. FAPC can help processors examine their current practices regarding water usage, waste management and utilization, packaging selection, distribution options and other efficiencies within a company’s process flow.
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Focus Areas

Get information specific to YOUR needs.

We strive to provide information and assistance that fits the needs of the food and agricultural industry. Our focus areas include agribusiness economics, business marketing and communications, cereal chemistry, food engineering, food microbiology, food processing, food safety and quality assurance, horticultural processing, meat science, milling and baking, oilseed processing and product development.
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