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Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the questions below to see answers.

Am I making a value-added product?

There is not one definition that is accepted by all regulatory bodies, but if you are changing the physical state or form of a product or adding an extra process that enhances the value of the raw ingredient, your product is generally considered to be a value-added product. Some examples might be making strawberries into jam, grinding wheat into flour, curing a ham, slicing fruit, and fermenting or pickling vegetables.

If you believe that you or your product falls into one of the following categories, please reach out to the listed individual directly:

Process authorities are individuals who are recognized for their ability to apply food safety knowledge to processed foods. Many producers require the services of a process authority when making acidified foods. Virginia Tech has a process authority within the Food Science and Technology department named Melissa Wright and she can be contacted by email at foodbiz@vt.edu.