311991 - Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing

The world of food manufacturing is vast and diverse, with various sectors catering to different types of products. One such essential segment is NAICS code 311991, which focuses on Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing. Whether you enjoy fresh salads, ready-to-eat sandwiches, or refrigerated meals, this industry plays a pivotal role in bringing convenient, nutritious options to consumers. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into what NAICS code 311991 entails, the types of businesses it includes, and why it’s crucial in the manufacturing sector.

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What is NAICS Code 311991?

NAICS code 311991 corresponds to the Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing industry. This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing perishable prepared foods that require refrigeration. These foods include fresh salads, sandwiches, and other ready-to-eat meals designed for quick consumption and typically sold for individual resale.

Key Characteristics:

• Focus on perishable, refrigerated food products
• Emphasis on convenience foods ready for immediate consumption
• Includes fresh-cut fruits, vegetables, and prepared meals

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Sector Overview: Manufacturing

NAICS 311991 falls under the broader Manufacturing sector. This sector covers diverse food production activities, but this specific classification hones in on perishable and prepared food items that must be kept cool to ensure safety and freshness.

Typical Business Activities:

• Fresh salad manufacturing
• Prepared sandwich production
• Ready-to-eat refrigerated meal manufacturing

These activities reflect consumer demand for healthy, fresh, and fast food solutions, offering a range of nutritious options available off the shelf.

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Size Standards and Eligibility

For government contracting and size standard determination:

• Employee Size Standard: Typically capped at 700 employees for eligibility under NAICS code 311991.
• These size standards help define small business eligibility for federal programs and contracts.

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Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 311991

Businesses operating under NAICS 311991 include:

• Companies producing fresh salads packaged for retail or foodservice.
• Establishments making ready-to-eat sandwiches, assembled and packaged for wholesale markets.
• Manufacturers of perishable prepared meals, including boxed lunches supplied off-premises.

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Detailed Code Description Table

Product / Activity Description	Included Under NAICS 311991?
Box lunches (for sale off premises) manufacturing	Yes
Carrots, cut, peeled or sliced fresh, manufacturing	Yes
Cole slaw, fresh, manufacturing	Yes
Egg noodles, fresh, manufacturing	Yes
Food, prepared, perishable, packaged for individual resale	Yes
Fruit, cut or peeled, fresh, manufacturing	Yes
Macaroni, fresh, manufacturing	Yes
Noodles, fresh, manufacturing	Yes
Pasta, fresh, manufacturing	Yes
Pizzas, fresh, manufacturing	Yes
Potatoes, peeled or cut, manufacturing	Yes
Prepared meals, perishable, packaged for individual resale	Yes
Salads, fresh or refrigerated, manufacturing	Yes
Sandwiches, fresh (assembled and packaged for wholesale market)	Yes
Slaw, cole, fresh, manufacturing	Yes
Tofu (except frozen desserts) manufacturing	Yes
Vegetables, cut or peeled, fresh, manufacturing	Yes

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What types of foods are included in NAICS code 311991?

This code includes perishable prepared foods such as fresh salads, sandwiches, ready-to-eat meals, cut fruits and vegetables, fresh noodles, and other refrigerated products intended for immediate consumption.

2. Is frozen food manufacturing included in this NAICS code?

No, frozen food manufacturing is classified under different NAICS codes. NAICS 311991 specifically covers perishable foods that require refrigeration but are not frozen.

3. Can businesses with up to 700 employees qualify as "small businesses" under this code?

Yes, the size standard is set at 700 employees, meaning companies with this number of employees or fewer may be eligible for certain small business programs.

4. Are packaged salads for retail stores part of this industry?

Absolutely. Fresh or refrigerated salad manufacturing is a primary activity under NAICS 311991.

5. Does this code include tofu manufacturing?

Yes, tofu (except frozen desserts) manufacturing is covered within this NAICS code.

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Conclusion

NAICS code 311991 – Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing – is a vital segment of the manufacturing industry, emphasizing fresh, refrigerated, ready-to-eat foods that meet today’s fast-paced, health-conscious consumer needs. Whether you’re a business owner exploring government contract eligibility or a supplier looking to understand your market, knowing the scope and activities under this NAICS code can provide strategic insight.

If your business specializes in fresh salads, sandwiches, or perishable prepared meals, NAICS 311991 could be your key to unlocking opportunities within the manufacturing sector.

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Keywords: NAICS 311991, perishable prepared food manufacturing, fresh salads manufacturing, ready-to-eat meals, refrigerated food products, food manufacturing NAICS codes, small business size standards food industry.