Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cornell Food Venture Center?

The Cornell Food Venture Center is an extension program of the Department of Food Science at Cornell University, established in 1988. As a Processing Authority for acidified and low acid foods, the CFVC helps food businesses large and small introduce food products that are safe and stable into the marketplace. We provide educational materials, workshops and direct assistance with product safety evaluation, process development and guidance in local, state and federal regulatory compliance. We also provide referrals for business assistance, local suppliers and service providers.

How do I submit a request for a Scheduled Process for my food product?

We need a completed Submission Form and a 4-6 oz sample of the product to start the process. 

How much product do I need to send along with the forms for a Scheduled Process request?

We need one sample of at least 4 oz. If product is pickled in a brine, the sample must be a full jar of finished product in brine as it will be sold. 

Do you (the CFVC) make the product for me?

We do not make or re-create the product as part of a regular Scheduled Process request. The CFVC Pilot Plant provides resources and technical assistance that can be rented by appointment for use by external clients, including for manufacturing product prototypes. (See Pilot Plant website for more details).

Can I drop off my sample or do I have to mail it?

You can certainly bring samples in person if you would like. The address is in the Instructions document. We are available, from 9am to 4pm, Monday through Friday.

How can I obtain a Scheduled Process form?

Download up-to-date instructions on how to request a Scheduled Process for your food product.

What business address should I put on the New Client Registration form?

Please include YOUR business address. If you are using a co-packer to produce the product, please include their information in the “Copacker Information" section.

How long does it take to process a Scheduled Process?

Regular speed is about 4-6 weeks for most products. Expedited speed, if available, is half the time and twice the cost. Holidays and submission influx can alter the turnaround; you can check in with CFVC staff about current turnaround time. The time does not start until we receive all required documents/sample.

  • PLEASE NOTE: Unless your company is a “Supporting Member” we will not proceed with your final documentation until payment is made. If payment is delayed, this will slow things down.

How can I be sure that CFVC received my product and forms?

You will receive confirmation via e-mail when your product has been received and tested within 3-5 days. This is only an acknowledgement of receipt – not an approval!

Can I check the status of my application?

You will get email confirmation of: sample receipt; initial review (this is not your final documentation!); and an invoice. We will respond to status update requests only as we have time.  We will only process your final documentation AFTER payment is made; as a reminder the document is not available immediately after payment, but after being processed.

Can I expedite processing of my application?

Yes. Check the expedited service box on the Scheduled Process submission form. You can check with the CFVC team about current turnaround time. Expedited service is, in general, half the time and twice the cost. 

  • See the PLEASE NOTE section above.

What laboratory testing do you do?

  • Depending on the product and how it is made, we may test pH (related to the acidity of a product), water activity, ºBrix (a measure of the amount of sugar) and/or the salt content of a product.
  • Alcohol analysis is performed and charged separately by the Cornell Craft Beverage Analytical Lab (CCBAL) when needed and after client makes a request directly to CCBAL. If alcohol analysis is needed for your product you will receive an email from us directing you to register the sample with the CCBAL if necessary.
  • Shelf-life studies and challenge studies are performed and charged by the Cornell Microbial Food Safety and Extension Lab. 
  • We do not perform nutrition analysis. Please refer to this list of potential private service providers.

Should I pay first?

Please do not send payment with the sample/forms. Payment cannot be made until you receive an invoice, which will be sent to you once we have completed an initial review and received all information needed to complete final validation of the product. There will be information on the invoice about how to pay, including payment online by credit card.

  • Any checks sent with the submission forms will be destroyed.

What laws and regulations govern the manufacture, storage and distribution of food?

It depends on the food, but the FDA, the USDA and state agencies all get involved. 

What will a food inspector be looking at when they conduct a review of my products?

The food inspector will be looking at your Good Manufacturing Practices, sanitation and production records, and your validated Scheduled Process. In addition, they will evaluate manufacturing conditions in the production facility and may want to observe product being made. They may also need to see review your hazard analysis and preventive controls strategy, and a recall plan.

Where can I obtain more information on how to manufacture safe food products?

What is the difference between a Version and an Amendment?

An amendment to your Scheduled Process will need to be made if you make any changes to your existing product, including formulation, processing, product name, or business information.  An amendment will replace your existing document.  A Version is requested if you have additional products in your product line that are very similar to each other; they may have one or two ingredients that are different.  

One example is a mild and spicy version of the same salsa.  A Version results in a totally new document for each product and will maintain the document for the original product.