68
4 The Future of Chemicals in the Food Production Ambit
4.1 Chemicals in the Food Production Ambit: Current
Perspectives
This book has two main objectives: (i) to show that chemicals are essential for the
production of a large number of industrial goods, and food products in particular,
and (ii) to promote the culture of work safety.
Chapters 1, 2, and 3 should have displayed the current situation in the ambit of
foods and beverages when speaking of the penetration of chemical substances. In
brief, the continuous and impetuous advance of chemistry in this field is relatively
recent and correlated with:
(1) The creation of new products with enhanced features (e.g., improved durability),
with the consequent modification of technical recipes and formulation … by
means of the introduction of new ingredients (Pellerito et al. 2019a, b, c, d)
(2) The introduction of automated or semi-automated processes similar to nonfood industries, meaning also the creation of busy program schedules, the use
of ‘crowded’ areas for manipulation, storage, transportation, etc., and the need
of improved machines and equipment which should be functional and cleanable
in a relatively low time.
As a result, chemical substances have gradually invaded the food and beverage
environment, but raising concerns about their effects on health are emerged. Many
workers, exposed to chemicals, may suffer critical diseases because of significant
adverse effects, even at low doses. The difference in physical state of chemicals
(powders, aerosolized dust, gas, etc.) can complicate studies and evaluations. Food
industries are not an exception.
4.2 Chemicals in the Food Production Ambit: Future
Perspectives
On these bases, some prediction may be assumed when speaking of future food and
beverage enterprises.
First of all, chemicals will be probably more abundant in the future in relation to
food-related activities and correlated procedures (cleaning, sanitization, production
of containers and objects for food-contact applications, fuels for thermal machines,
etc.). Probably, in a similar situation, and with the increasing complexity of the industrial enterprise, the constant presence of chemicals, and the rapid evolution of little
and medium companies into large enterprises, risk assessment will evolve rapidly.
Work-related accidents and occupational diseases have a huge impact on workers’
health and economic and social benefits. In this situation, companies will be forced
to gradually consider these concerns within their organization, and young/senior
managers will be required to comply with safety regulations.
4 The Future of Chemicals in the Food Production Ambit
4.1 Chemicals in the Food Production Ambit: Current
Perspectives
This book has two main objectives: (i) to show that chemicals are essential for the
production of a large number of industrial goods, and food products in particular,
and (ii) to promote the culture of work safety.
Chapters 1, 2, and 3 should have displayed the current situation in the ambit of
foods and beverages when speaking of the penetration of chemical substances. In
brief, the continuous and impetuous advance of chemistry in this field is relatively
recent and correlated with:
(1) The creation of new products with enhanced features (e.g., improved durability),
with the consequent modification of technical recipes and formulation … by
means of the introduction of new ingredients (Pellerito et al. 2019a, b, c, d)
(2) The introduction of automated or semi-automated processes similar to nonfood industries, meaning also the creation of busy program schedules, the use
of ‘crowded’ areas for manipulation, storage, transportation, etc., and the need
of improved machines and equipment which should be functional and cleanable
in a relatively low time.
As a result, chemical substances have gradually invaded the food and beverage
environment, but raising concerns about their effects on health are emerged. Many
workers, exposed to chemicals, may suffer critical diseases because of significant
adverse effects, even at low doses. The difference in physical state of chemicals
(powders, aerosolized dust, gas, etc.) can complicate studies and evaluations. Food
industries are not an exception.
4.2 Chemicals in the Food Production Ambit: Future
Perspectives
On these bases, some prediction may be assumed when speaking of future food and
beverage enterprises.
First of all, chemicals will be probably more abundant in the future in relation to
food-related activities and correlated procedures (cleaning, sanitization, production
of containers and objects for food-contact applications, fuels for thermal machines,
etc.). Probably, in a similar situation, and with the increasing complexity of the industrial enterprise, the constant presence of chemicals, and the rapid evolution of little
and medium companies into large enterprises, risk assessment will evolve rapidly.
Work-related accidents and occupational diseases have a huge impact on workers’
health and economic and social benefits. In this situation, companies will be forced
to gradually consider these concerns within their organization, and young/senior
managers will be required to comply with safety regulations.