Intro: Modern food manufacturing facilities now employ many types of automated processing equipment with computerized control systems. This article will cover the automated systems controlling the commercial sterilization of human and pet food in hermetically sealed containers. Due to the automated nature of these control systems and the various critical process … [Read More...] about Retort Control Software – Capabilities, Compliance and an Introduction to Retort Room Validation
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In-Container Sterilization – Critical Factors
In the United States, the Department of Health and Human Services regulates food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products consumed by humans and animals. This is done through either the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). US‐FDA 21CFR Part 113 defines critical factors as – “any property, characteristic, condition, aspect, or […]
Pros and Cons of Batch versus Continuous and Aseptic Sterilization of Shelf-Stable Foods and Beverages
By Jeff Arthur, Technical Sales Director, Allpax, a ProMach product brand Understanding the typical pros and cons of batch versus continuous and aseptic … [Read More...] about Pros and Cons of Batch versus Continuous and Aseptic Sterilization of Shelf-Stable Foods and Beverages
Understanding the Causes of Stainless-Steel Corrosion in Retorts and Practical Steps to Prevent Corrosion – a Primer
By Jeff Arthur, Technical Sales Director, Allpax, a ProMach product brand Because stainless steel is easily cleaned and does not rust under normal conditions, it is the preferred metal for food processing machines used in wet environments. A little-known fact about stainless steel is that it is prone to unique types of corrosion when the […]
Commercial Sterilization Defined
The adjective “sterile”, depending on which dictionary is cited, will have several entries defining everything from geographic regions to intellectual quality. For the intent of this discussion we are focusing on the definition pertaining to an environment being devoid of living microorganisms, namely spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. Sterility can be achieved by either chemical or […]
Retorts, Common Questions and Answers
By Chris Barbier, Technical Sales, Allpax Here we will be continuing a quarterly discussion about retort processing considerations. What is a Retort? Sometimes also called an Autoclave or Sterilizer, a Retort is a pressure vessel used in the food manufacturing industry to “commercially sterilize” food after it has been placed into its container and the […]