From regulatory updates to evolving needs for operational efficiency, food processors spent 2025 adapting their systems and utilizing the best technologies to meet both compliance standards and consumer demands.
The past year had no shortage of developments for food manufacturers. But a few stories were among those at the forefront of minds: aligning with new regulatory compliance, supporting automation to combat labor challenges, and enabling food safety, consumer health and sustainability goals.
Food safety remained a top priority for food processors, but the stakes continued to evolve.
Compliance: Among the biggest stories is the ongoing, heightened need for validated, auditable food safety systems. Driven by FSMA compliance (traceability and low-moisture foods sanitation were among the guidelines that saw progression), manufacturers are continuously focusing on things such as environmental monitoring and documented preventive controls to ensure their facilities are audit-ready.
AI in quality control: AI has become the norm in every industry, with food manufacturing being no different. The exploration and adoption of AI and machine learning to analyze real-time data from production continued, helping to predict food safety risks, optimize quality assessment, and enhance efficiency in hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) systems.
Food additive developments: Manufacturers began preparing for and adapting to bans on certain synthetic food dyes and other additives (see the complete list of actions at the FDA website). These changes compel manufacturers to reformulate their products and explore alternative options. And beyond compliance, consumer demand for "clean labels" has pushed companies to proactively investigate new formulas.
Automation and labor independence: The central theme for operations is using technology to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. Solutions like SupplyRITE® are automating the management of consumables to cut administrative labor, while preventive maintenance services ensure high-value automated equipment operates with minimal unexpected downtime.
Color-coding for compliance: To meet HACCP and SQF requirements, facilities are relying more than ever on color-coded tools and PPE as the most direct way to enforce zoning and segregation, which is critical for preventing cross-contamination and meeting new sanitation guidance.
For its part, Nelson-Jameson has echoed the industry's focus on food safety—inside and outside of our facilities. Check out just some of our content below to learn more about our story and the things we were talking about throughout 2025!
Nearly everything a food processor does can contribute to food safety for employees and consumers. Below are some of the best-selling products from Nelson-Jameson in 2025.
Preservation: Delvocid+
Dairy enzymes: Maxilact LGi 5000
Peppers: Brined Jalapeno Peppers
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Microbiological media:
Sample containers:
Sample collection:
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Process equipment & accessories: Strahman® Wall Mounted Mixing Station
Sanitary pipe, valves, fittings (PVF) & accessories: 2.5–3" Alfa Laval PMO service kit
Industrial commodity products: 2" RSD gray sanitary hose
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Shoe covers: Tingley Boot Saver® shoe covers
Aprons: Endurosaf™ reusable protective apron
Disposable gloves: Gloveworks RDT nitrile industrial gloves
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Cheese bags and liners:
Cheese wraps: Ply Ban II cheesecloth
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Brushes and brooms: Vikan® Edge Bench Brush
Footwear and surface sanitizers: Alpet® D2 surface sanitizing wipes
Paper products and dispensers: Pro-Towel® HD shop towel
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Testers: Neogen® Clean-Trace® Surface ATP test swabs
pH Meters, electrodes & accessories: Hygiena™ Ultrasnap™ ATP swabs
Chloride Analyzers: Nelson-Jameson M926 Chloride Analyzer
Maintenance: ACT metal detectable cable ties
HVAC, boiler and plumbing: Compass Minerals Water Softener Salt extra coarse
Mats and matting (specialty mats): Knobby Mat™ with X on back
Mats and matting (disinfectant mats): Crown Standard High-Wall Disinfectant Foot Mat™
Trending products: Petro-Gel® lubricant
Sanitizers:
Acid cleaners: Hydrite Wheycide
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Tools and accessories: Vikan® HyGo Mobile Cleaning Station
Pails, totes, drums, and containers: Sparta® Bronco™ round container
Metal detectable: Metal detectable scissors
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As we move into 2026, food manufacturers must remain agile and adaptable to navigate the expected and unexpected food safety challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. Nelson-Jameson was the single-source distributor of choice to food, dairy, and beverage processors in 2025. Contact us to learn how we offer more food processing solutions than ever in 2026.