An Introduction to Shared-Use Commercial Kitchens

Cottage food preparation at the communal kitchen at Fifth Generation Farms in Lake City, Florida.  Photo Credits:  UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones

Shared-use commercial kitchens are commonly used by food entrepreneurs to launch new food products into market; however, there remain questions about how these facilities work. This new 4-page document defines basic terms used to describe shared-use commercial kitchens, such as incubator, accelerator, or food hub, and gives an overview of potential services or resources available at these facilities. Furthermore, basic information on state level food regulations and an extensive list of shared-use commercial kitchens in Florida is included. Written by Matthew Krug and Sarah Ellis and published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs400

How to Start a Food Business: Basic Food Technology; Food Acidity

Pickled cucumbers, homemade preserves

Food acidity is an important parameter in food product development. Most people know that food acidity influences flavor, but more importantly, food acidity can affect the ability of microorganisms to grow in food. Food acidity, or the amount of acid that is present in the food, is used to classify a food product, and that classification determines the regulatory requirements for the specific food product. This new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department describes how to measure food acidity and how food is classified based on its acidity. Written by Soohyoun Ahn, Jayna Goldstein, George Baker, and Matthew Krug.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs325

Facility Registration and Initial Regulatory Compliance Activities for Acidified Food and Low-Acid Canned Food Processors in Florida

Canned food. Fruits and vegetables, cans, mason jars, bottles. July 2010 IFAS Extension Calendar image. UF/IFAS Photo by Tom Wright.

Food businesses are subject to a wide range of regulatory requirements. Food entrepreneurs who want to produce and sell acidified foods or low-acid canned foods must abide by specific FDA regulations. This new 3-page document intends to clarify the initial steps food entrepreneurs must implement to comply with these regulations. This factsheet is one in a Food Entrepreneurship in Florida series, which assists beginning and established food entrepreneurs by providing them information on topics highly relevant to starting and running a food business: regulations, safety, labeling, processing, and marketing. Written by Matthew Krug and Soohyoun Ahn, and published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, February 2019.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs318