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.
The foundation of the best foods is the best ingredients. Beyond taste and texture, overall product quality, food safety, and nutritional value all require the highest-quality ingredients. They’re how food and dairy processors can differentiate their products, keep customers coming back, and build a strong brand reputation.
Preservation: Delvocid+
Dairy enzymes: Maxilact LGi 5000
Peppers: Brined Jalapeno Peppers
Trending products:
High-quality lab supplies are a must for any food processor. They're crucial in ensuring consistent results, enhancing efficiency, and contributing to a safe working environment.
Microbiological media:
Sample containers:
Sample collection:
Trending products:
Food processing facilities are only productive when they’re up and running. Nelson-Jameson is a single-source supplier of equipment, accessories, and the food safety expertise needed to ensure continuous smooth operations. Below are the top categories we saw in the past year.
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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Equally important to food safety is the safety of food processing plant staff. Providing employees with proper protective gear, such as gloves, aprons, hairnets, and safety glasses can minimize the risk of accidents, injuries, and even contamination while reducing costs. Investing in high-quality PPE not only protects food processing workers, it also helps maintain regulatory compliance and enhances overall operational efficiency.
Shoe covers: Tingley Boot Saver® shoe covers
Aprons: Endurosaf™ reusable protective apron
Disposable gloves: Gloveworks RDT nitrile industrial gloves
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High-quality bulk packaging products are essential for food manufacturers to ensure the safety, freshness, and appeal of their products. By using durable and reliable packaging materials, food processors can protect their products during transportation and storage, prevent contamination, and extend shelf life. Below are the categories where we saw the most investment in quality packaging solutions to help reduce waste and optimize supply chain efficiency.
Cheese bags and liners:
Cheese wraps: Ply Ban II cheesecloth
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Any food processing environment must be clean and sanitary at all times to ensure food safety. Investing in quality JanSan supplies helps food processors improve hygiene standards, comply with food safety regulations, and create the best possible products for consumers. These are just a few of our most popular JanSan items from 2025.
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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Combating threats to food safety requires a holistic approach. Accurate and reliable testing and analysis in food processing are as important of a piece to that approach as ever before. State-of-the-art equipment allows food processors to ensure product quality, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards. Precise measurements, rapid analysis, and efficient troubleshooting are all necessary for improving product quality and increasing efficiency. These are the best-selling lab equipment items trending in 2025.
Testers: Neogen® Clean-Trace® Surface ATP test swabs
pH Meters, electrodes & accessories: Hygiena™ Ultrasnap™ ATP swabs
Chloride Analyzers: Nelson-Jameson M926 Chloride Analyzer
Proper tools require proper maintenance, which extends the lifespan of facilities and equipment, reducing long-term costs. Investment in reliable maintenance products helps food processors prevent equipment breakdowns, reduce downtime, and ensure compliance with safety and sanitation regulations. Here are some of the most popular tools that help food manufacturers run effectively all year.
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™
With effective cleaning agents and sanitizers, food processors can prevent the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants and ensure food safety in their products as well as safety for workers. Investing in reliable cleaning chemicals can help food processors improve hygiene standards, comply with food safety regulations, and create the best food safety outcomes. Here are some of the best-selling cleaning chemicals from 2025.
Sanitizers:
Acid cleaners: Hydrite WheycideTM
Trending products:
Reliable pallets, carts, and conveyors can streamline workflows, reduce labor costs, and minimize the risk of accidents. Investing in quality materials handling solutions helps food processors improve productivity, enhance worker safety, and maintain product integrity. Here are some of most popular material handling categories and items in 2025.
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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Below are the top 3 most popular items for food processors at Nelson-Jameson in 2025:
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.