Frequently Asked Questions
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Food manufacturing facilities in North America require compliance with several key standards depending on your product and market. Most facilities need HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) as the foundation for food safety. Beyond that, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) ensures consistent quality, while SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification is often required by major retailers and distributors. For facilities producing for international markets, EU-GMP standards may also apply. At Taiga Solutions, we design facilities to meet all applicable certification requirements from day one.
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Yes. In the United States, food manufacturing facilities must register with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and comply with FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) requirements. In Canada, facilities fall under CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) oversight and must meet Safe Food for Canadians Regulations. Our engineering team designs facilities that satisfy the licensing requirements for both US and Canadian markets.
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Greenfield means building a brand-new facility from the ground up on undeveloped land. Brownfield means retrofitting or converting an existing building into a food-grade facility. Brownfield projects often save 30-40% compared to greenfield construction and have shorter timelines—but require specialized engineering expertise to ensure the existing structure can meet food safety standards. Taiga Solutions specializes in both approaches.
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General contractors and architects can build buildings, but food manufacturing facilities require specialized engineering knowledge. Designing for proper airflow, contamination prevention, sanitation workflows, temperature control, and regulatory compliance isn't something general firms handle daily. Working with engineers who specialize in food and beverage facilities avoids costly redesigns and failed inspections down the road.
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Timelines vary based on facility size, complexity, and whether you're building new or retrofitting an existing space. At Taiga Solutions, we design to your requirements and timeline—including expedited schedules when speed to market is critical. We'll scope your project and provide realistic milestones during the initial consultation.
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We specialize in food and beverage manufacturing facilities across North America, including dairy processing (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream), beverage production (juice, kombucha, seltzers, beer, wine), produce processing (washing, cutting, packaging, greenhouse operations), plant-based foods (ready-to-eat meals, salads, alternative proteins), and CPG (consumer packaged goods) packaging lines and co-packing facilities.