Edible but off-spec or leftover product that is routed back into the production line to be blended with fresh batches. Food and beverage plants use this practice to minimize waste from misaligned packaging, underweight fills, or minor visual defects. Strict tracking is required to ensure the recycled material does not introduce allergens or exceed safety thresholds in the new batch.
Heard on the job
The labeling machine jammed, so we've to uncase those bottles and send the liquid to rework.
Insider tip
Rework is heavily audited in food safety programs to prevent cross-contamination, especially regarding undeclared allergens.