John S.

Donaldson Technical Institute THE UNIVERSITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO COURSE: SAFE 111D Environmental Safety 111D SEMESTER 3 INSTRUCTOR: Kerry Smith DATE DUE: 11th July, 2009 Prepared by: Carlin Sylvester, Damian Ortega, Dexter Bruce

The Food and Beverage Industry Environmental Impacts and Mitigation methods

Table of Contents
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Executive Summary .. 3

Introduction 4

Discussion . 5-9

Conclusion .. 10

Executive Summary
This project seeks to look at the environmental impact and mitigation methods of the food and beverage industry. The major concerns pointed out were; the quality of the Food and Beverages, Environmental issues such as water usage and contamination and air quality, Proper Waste Disposal techniques such as recycling and the maintenance of a healthy soil to produce quality raw materials through the emphasis of the production of more organic foods and beverages. It was concluded that with the effects of globalisation, food and beverage companies must seek to produce goods in an environmentally friendly way as a prerequisite to international expansion if nothing else.

Introduction

The food and beverage industry is an essential part of the manufacturing sector in Trinidad and Tobago. As a matter of fact, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has identified the food and beverage industry as one of seven industries identified for growth and development. According to the Strategic Draft Plan for the Industry , In Trinidad and Tobago the structure of the Industry (the largest of the manufacturing sector) is such that developing and maintaining quality standards and a competitive and profitable base present a significant challenge, mainly because of the numerous microenterprises and small and medium-size enterprises with limited resources. In 2003, there were 424 companies operating in the Industry employing over 9,000 persons in addition to those employed in unregistered food processing businesses which comprises hundreds of cottage / micro sized businesses. The Industry has developed strong linkages with local support industries; this generates substantial foreign exchange earnings and contributes significantly to reducing this countrys food import bill. The local market for food and beverage products is open with minimal regulation. So the industry has much potential, however this report will seek to discuss the environmental impacts of the industry and the related mitigation methods. This is needed in light of the fact that the working document also stated that in the industry there is little enforcement of standards.

Some text adapted from: www.tradeind.gov.tt/MTI %20Downloads/Updated%20Strategic%20Plan%20%20%20Food%20%20Beverage.pdf

There are some safety concerns that are related to the production in the food and beverage industry, these include but are not limited to, Food and Beverage quality, Environmental issues, Proper Waste Disposal techniques and the maintenance of a healthy soil to produce quality raw materials.

Environmental issues These will deal with the effects of the environment on the production of food and beverages, and since water is a major part of both food and beverage production we can start with that. Also, we have the effects of the air on the production of goods and also proper waste disposal techniques and the maintenance of healthy soil for the production of quality raw materials. Emissions to the air are monitored by using permits which keep in check, the level of carbon dioxide emission and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which are used as refrigerants in the Food and Beverage Industry, In an effort to phase out all ozone depleting substances, the use of C.F.Cs as a refrigerant has been discontinued and more ozone friendly refrigerants are currently being used. With the reduction in energy use in the Industry a fall in the emission of carbon dioxide can be seen.

Fig.1 Showing the energy intensity of food an beverage processing from 1990-1992

Fig 2 showing the carbon dioxide emission from 19901992

http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do? id=1237317342256&lang=eng

Mitigations Today, it is vital to the industry that we constantly monitor impurities in ground water, waste water and drinking water. One way to do this is to measure the NTU/TSS levels to ensure we have potable water. Besides water, a supply of clean air and ventilation in production areas, soil free of contaminants and proper disposal of waste are of great concern.

Food and Beverage quality These deal with the level and standard of the goods produced. These must meet industry standards and those set by the Food and Health division. One of the major issues facing the industry is contamination of the product. This can cause untold loses to companies and injury to citizens if not monitored properly. Some possible causes of food contamination are migration/leaching, incompatible raw materials and improper storage. With regards to beverages, manufacturers are warned to monitor benzene levels due to its cancer causing ability. And for food e-coli levels must be monitored.

Mitigations Always adhere to proper standards, keep food and drinks at the appropriate temperatures. Monitor benzene levels

in drinks and e coli levels in foods to prevent contamination.

Proper Waste Disposal Techniques

The Food and Beverage industry produces larger amounts of waste as most of its products come from raw materials. However, it is the chemicals used to preserve these food and beverages together with the production of seconds that can be the most problematic. Seconds are manufactured items that did not meet expectable standards; these are disposed of by companies. For example, a bad batch of ketchup/ mustard is simply thrown it out by some companies. All these chemicals affect our soil and water courses. Another problem is the physical factors of production like the plastics and raw materials. This industry uses larger amounts of raw materials to produce quality products and plastics are used for packaging.

Mitigations Although not mandated by law in Trinidad and Tobago, companies in the food and beverage industry, have in some cases, can start to separate their garbage for recycling purposes. This is a major waste disposal technique utilized by the industry around the world. Companies can also collaborate with partners along the supply chain to create an integrated environmental impact reduction system which will save time and money.

The Maintenance of Healthy soil to produce quality raw materials. The Food and Beverage industry has become as industrialised as other industries and as such, produces large amounts of waste. But it is the effect that these have on the soil that is one major environmental concern. Seepage of chemicals into the soil and in the water table affects the life of soil. We must remember that billions of living organisms make up the soil and contribute to keeping the soil rich, so they must be protected. Water and air also pass through the soil, and if these are polluted the soil suffers. An extreme situation is the use of some chemical substance entering the soil or the atmosphere and causing some type of drought for a particular product. Trinidad is said to have some of the best cocoa species in
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the world, but can you imagine what can potentially happen if the soil was to be adversely affected? Some food and beverage companies would surely feel the pinch.

Mitigations One of the ways that companies in the food and Beverage industry can help is the emphasising of more organic foods. Some companies even specialise in healthy lifestyles, for example Healthy Choice, which specialises in the production of local granola flakes. They have even made the effort to package their product in biodegradable bags. A healthy niche market has even been created.

Conclusion
The food and Beverage industry like any other has the potential to generate environmental concerns. In Trinidad right now we are witnessing a decrease in the production of food. And it is suggested that given the fall in overall production, the environmental impacts associated to the production of food and beverages, such as water use, solid waste production, use of chemicals, and discharge of greenhouse gas, will decrease. However, it is the efforts of the industry to contain these environmental concerns that will make or break it. As,

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globalisation takes hold and the effects of all those trade deals are realised, local companies will be exposed to tremendous competition and will have to expand internationally to survive. But environmental standards outside Trinidad can be more stringent, especially in the developed countries. Adapt or die is the motto for companies around the world now and with rising environmental consciousness, the food and beverage industry must do just that.

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