The food industry is now facing increasing pressure to ensure that their company's activities
are environmentally sensitive, but there is also increased internal pressure to maintain
or increase profitability in the face of fierce competition. The food processing industry has
special concerns about the health and safety of the consumer. Key resources used by the food
processing industry include the water, raw materials and energy. Traditionally, the food processing industry has been a large water user. Water is used as an ingredient, an initial and intermediate cleaning source, an efficient transportation conveyor of raw materials, and the principal agent used in sanitizing plant machinery and areas. Although water use will always be a part of the food processing industry, it has become the principal target for pollution prevention, source reduction practices.