Which of the following is NOT a step in the food processing chain?

The food processing chain involves several key steps that transform raw agricultural products into finished food items that are ready for consumption. Among the various stages, harvesting, consumption, and packaging represent essential phases in this chain.

Harvesting is the initial step where crops are gathered from the fields, marking the transition from agriculture to food processing. Packaging refers to the process of enclosing food products for storage, transport, and sale, which is critical for maintaining quality and safety.

Consumption is the final stage of the food processing chain, where individuals utilize the processed food products for nourishment.

In contrast, heating is a method or technique that can be applied during food processing, such as cooking or pasteurizing, but it is not a standalone step in the food processing chain itself. While heating can play a crucial role in certain processes (like in cooking and thermal preservation), it does not define a distinct phase in the overall food processing chain. Thus, it is not considered a primary step in the food processing sequence, making it the correct answer to identify what is not part of the food processing chain.