If you own a food warehouse, dairy plant, food production and processing facility or even a company that sells Kosher foods, you must become familiar with federal and state food industry information resources laws and regulations. Federal and state agencies undertake food industry research so they can advise lawmakers on food information laws that protect the general public as well as prevent fraud and illegal competition by food producers.

To learn more about these laws and regulations, check out the following Internet food industry research sources that help you discover the rules governing your company's business operations:

1. Find information on food laws and regulations that federal and state governments enact.

2. Get information on the food industry laws from online databases federal and state agencies maintain.

3. Locate food market research studies that discuss current and pending food laws.

4. Know which websites explains the penalties for violations of food industry information resources laws and regulations.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know food research laws and regulations and the agencies that make them

Find federal regulations ensuring food safety at the FDA. The USDA is the executive department office that develops government policy on agriculture, food production and farming.

I recommend: Search the FDA database of food laws that make up the Food Drug & Cosmetic Act. Access laws and regulations regarding food inspection practices, food and nutrition services regulations and farming laws at the USDA. Through the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, New Jersey laws regulate the licensing, inspection, investigation and enforcement of the state's Food and Drug Safety Program. California's Department of Public Health is the source for the state's laws regulating food labeling, inspection of food facilities and produce safety.

Access online articles on food industry laws and regulations

You may want to know how Congress is amending current food safety laws or new plans to enforce the Food & Nutrition Act of 2008.

I recommend: Search The Library of Congress to find out about pending legislation that might affect current food industry law. Find the Federal Register online at the Government Printing Office website so that you can search for executive orders, public announcements and news from federal agencies regarding laws for agriculture, food inspection, labeling and food flavoring. Search the State of New York food industry laws to learn about milk sanitation laws, licensing of food plants and the grading of farm products.

Use food market research reports that inform you about food laws

Find out how the policies of a new presidential administration impacts current food legislation initiatives. Or find out how current events, such as the outbreak of salmonella, can ultimately change federal and state laws concerning the inspection of food production facilities.

I recommend: Use articles on food industry research at Mind Branch for reports on many food laws, such as those relating to soy bean processing and fruit and vegetable canning. The Institute of Food Technologies offers its members food industry articles resources that discuss laws, such as newsletters and workshops. Journal articles on Questia keep you informed of media focus on food industry laws.

Access food information websites that inform on penalties for violating food industry laws

You may want to know what the penalties would be for violating The Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009 or the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act.

I recommend: The Food Law Prof Blog reports on penalties and fines that farmers could face for violating food safety laws. Read the food industry bills at the Center for Science in the Public Interest to learn about penalties imposed for violators of the Consumer Food Safety Act, the Food and Drug Import Safety Act and the Fresh Product Safety Act. State law makers, like the Wisconsin State Legislature, explain the penalties for those who violate food regulations.

If you have a food product idea that you want to sell, you need the right food industry information resources to see if it's even possible. The government regulates food production and you need information on food production so that you can understand the applicable laws.

Food industry research is readily available if you know where to look. Some business owners may actually feel overwhelmed by the amount of food information and need some help interpreting the data.

You may need to use food industry information resources if:

1. You want to expand your business. Food industry research will tell you about current consumer trends, which will give you ideas about the most profitable directions.

2. You want to stay up-to-date on laws and regulations. It's always a good idea to have food and beverage industry information regarding current laws. Make sure you know about any changes that may affect your business.

3. You want to compete effectively in today's marketplace. In order to compete, you need to know what the competition is doing and think about ways that you can improve on this.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use the food industry research that government departments provide

There is a wealth of knowledge available through the many government departments that regulate and study food production and consumptions. These provide the gold standard for industry research and you should pay attention to their research.

I recommend: The USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory provides a searchable database that allows you to find the nutritional content of various food items. You may also be interested in the Food Surveys Research Group, which conducts research on food consumption and dietary intake. They also have several articles on food industry issues.

Sign up for newsletters to receive information on the food industry

Newsletters are a convenient way to get news about the food industry. You don't have to make an effort to find the information. Companies simply deliver them to your mailbox regularly.

I recommend: The Food Digest, by Datamonitor is a weekly newsletter that discusses food issues related to the consumer. The Gourmet Retailer also offers a food industry newsletter that focuses on gourmet foods. They provide articles on food retail topics that affect your business and the market.

Purchase food market research reports from industry professionals.

Various food and beverage industry research firms regularly compile their research data into readable reports. These reports help you to understand industry news and trends to grow your business.

I recommend: Just-food is an excellent online resource for food industry professionals that offers several industry reports for sale. You can also search for market reports on Food Info Net.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You should take information on food laws and regulations very seriously. A small mistake could result in a hefty lawsuit. When in doubt, consult with a lawyer to make sure you follow the law properly.

The best food industry information resources for education and training are essential for proper food industry research. Information on food is important for business owners and proper food market research. Whether you take a virtual class, study or visit an actual classroom, it is vital to stay up to date on food industry information resources.

Some pieces of fast food industry information and articles on food industry techniques are not necessary to read for your business. In fact, you should be able to find specific food industry research that will specifically help you with running your type of business. When looking for information on the food industry it is important to remember to:

1. Look for food information from a trusted database.

2. Consider Online classes to meet your food research education needs.

3. Find educational videos and courses to gain the best information on the food industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

The best food industry information resources for education and training are essential for proper foo

Online databases of information are some of the best places to read the latest food research and articles on the food industry. While there are a large number of online food industry information resources for education and training, the best online databases of food information are found from various agricultural departments.

I recommend: The United States Department of Agriculture has a National Agricultural Library and Education and Training Materials Database. Both are exceptional sources for food industry articles and information on the food industry. For a food law training and safety database, check out the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

Go beyond reading articles food industry and sign up for a virtual class

Online based education and training is popular in every industry, and in the food industry it offers convenience and a solid educational opportunity. These classes are ideal for business owners and other professionals interested in food and beverage industry research.

I recommend: For Internet-based food safety training check out Mind Leaders. If you are looking for a selection of Online courses from accredited Universities, visit the Snack Food Association. It offers links to schools for online courses and food information.

Take a class to gain the latest information on food and industry research

Classes and videos are also a great resource for education and training. Whether you are looking for a job in the food industry or you just want to expand your existing knowledgebase, a class or video can be a helpful tool.

I recommend: The State of California Department of Health Care Services Food and Drug branch offers online training and educational videos. For food defense training courses, training and educational information check out the University of Tennessee’s Center for Industrial Services. Save And Add More Action Steps>

Knowing how food is grown, harvested and manufactured is important to understand the safety of consuming the products. Consumers and businesses in the food industry can benefit from food industry information resources online and in print. These resources explain the rules and regulations for safety in all aspects of producing food as well as the research and advancements taking place in the industry. Resources range from nonprofit organizations to federal regulation agencies.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The United States Department of Agriculture is the regulatory agency that oversees the growth and production of agricultural products in the United States. The USDA provides inspections and safety regulations for crops and livestock products sold to consumers.

I recommend: Learn more about the USDA by visiting its website.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The Food and Drug Administration is the best resource for laws that regulate how to manufacture, package and label foods for human consumption.

I recommend: The FDA provides its Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, a resource for information on the laws and regulations that food manufacturers must meet.

Institute of Food Technologists

The Institute of Food Technologists is an organization that provides news and information on the latest technology used to grow and manufacture food products for consumers.

I recommend: The Institute of Food Technologists provides information on research, training and additional resources for information on the food industry.

State food laws

Besides the national food laws from the USDA and FDA, state agencies for agriculture and public health also have food laws to protect the quality and standards of locally grown produce.

I recommend: Food Law provides information on food laws from most of the U.S. states, Canada, Puerto Rico and Guam.

Alliance for Better Foods

The Alliance for Better Foods is an organization that works to promote agricultural biotechnology. These processes are used to provide foods of a higher quality and safety in food production.

I recommend: The Alliance for Better Foods provides statistics, regulations and technology information for using biotechnology to produce food.

Association of Fruits and Vegetable Inspection and Standardization Agencies

The Association of Fruits and Vegetable Inspection and Standardization Agencies (AFVISA) is an organization that brings together state inspection and standardization programs to promote more national standards of inspecting produce in the U.S.

I recommend: Learn about the different state agencies involved in this voluntary organization by visiting the AFVISA website.