What is the purpose of the guide? The purpose is to help food Processors [as defined by former Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code 20] to understand and to improve their compliance with major federal environmental statutes and regulations administered by U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).

What is the scope/content of the guide? The guide provides an overview of EPA's major statutes and how to comply with the major regulations under these statutes. The guide focuses on manufacturing operations and selected ancillary operations commonly found across different segments of the industry. It highlights the importance of identifying and carefully managing inputs to the manufacturing process that may be hazardous or toxic as defined and regulated under various EPA statutes, such as the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to- Know Act (EPCRA). It also emphasizes the importance of waste reduction and pollution prevention. and provides general information about pollution prevention options that are relevant to the industry.

Who are potential users of the guide? The target audience for the guide is the plant-level manager and/or staff responsible for environmental compliance at a facility. Others who may find value in this guide include the following: environmental managers at the corporate level; state and local compliance assistance programs; trade associations; and environmental consultants to the industry. Federal, state, and local regulators and/or compliance inspectors may also find this guide to be useful in offering a broad perspective on U.S. EPA's requirements and the food processing industry.

Who developed the guide? The guide was developed by EPA's Chemical. Commercial Services and Municipal Division (CCSMD) within the Office of Compliance (OC) with assistance from the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), the American Meat Institute (AMI) and the National Food Processors Association (NFPA), and the Food Industry Environmental Council (FIEC).

Also, a limited number of hard copies are available from EPA's National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP, formerly NCEPI), Cincinnati, OH, on 1-800-490-9198. Request the following document number: EPA 305-B-99-005.