Retort Processes

There are many advantages to packaging food products in the retort pouch – processing times can be reduced by as much as 50%, shipping costs and storage costs are lower, and shelf appeal and consumer acceptance continues to grow. But are you familiar with the processing challenges in using the retortable pouch as compared to a metal can?

Retort Sterilization Processes should be evaluated the same way you shop for a car – what gets the best miles per gallon probably won’t tow your boat. So with retorts you must ask which process is best for the application? And, which process is best for a particular container?

The Steam-Air process is an overpressure process, like water immersion, and water-spray, except that the product is exposed to the influence of the overpressure air. In what other ways do steam air retorts differ from other types of retorting processes?

Shelf stable food packaging has significantly evolved during the past 20 years, from the standard metal can and glass jar, to value-added polymeric and composite pouches, bowls, cups, and trays. Are you familiar with how retort technology has kept pace with these evolving containers?

The Water Immersion Process is the most widely accepted method of sterilizing product using an overpressure process. Do you know the process steps involved with water immersion retorts?