Retort Supervisors Course

RETORT SUPERVISORS’ COURSE

Overview:

This course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively supervise retort operations. Those completing the course will understand their responsibilities and how these relate to the safety and general quality of the products processed. This course was previously offered through The University of Queensland, and is approved by the Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service (AQIS).

All aspects of the thermal processing of foods packed in cans, bottles, pouches, and similar containers are covered:

Introduction to canning

Retort systems and container handling

Packaging systems for thermally processed foods

Microbiology of canned foods

Principles of thermal processing

Retort operation and production records

Cooling water chlorination and canning sanitation

Regulations relevant to thermal processing

The course includes extensive practical training using the Pilot Plant Facilities at the Innoven Food Industry Centre.

A written exam covering the contents of the course and a practical examination of retort operations must be completed as required under the course accreditation.

Link to the planned program for the course

When: 20 - 23 September 2010

Tea/coffee will be available from 8:00 am on the first day, ready for the program to start at 8:30 am. Presentations will conclude by 4:00 pm on the final day.

Where: Innoven Food Industry Centre, Goulburn-Ovens TAFE, Fryers Street, Shepparton, Victoria.

Registration Fee: $ 2,000 plus GST (includes course notes, lunches, and morning and afternoon teas)

Registrations close at ’close-of-business’ on Friday 3 September 2010

(Please note that no registrations will be accepted after this date as a strict deadline is required to allow sufficient time for the printing of course notes)

To register, download the registration form here, and send the completed form to:

Kerry Howard at the Innoven Food Industry Centre via

Email: khoward@gotafe.vic.edu.au or

Fax: 03 5833 2532

Course Presenters:

The main presenter is Mr Gordon Young. Mr Young has been involved in presenting this course for the last ten years. He holds an AQIS Qualified Cannery Person's Certificate, and in that role carries out thermal process validation studies for a number of companies using a range of different retorts. Gordon is one of the principals of FoodStream.

He holds a B. Eng and M Eng Sc, as well a Dip Bus and has over 20 years experience in the food processing and agricultural industries, in both the public and private sectors. He has also taught at University and vocational training levels, and organised and presented technical short courses internationally. Major areas of expertise include thermal processing, drying, extrusion, and general food engineering.

Who should attend?

Retort operators, line supervisors, quality assurance personnel, product development staff, and maintenance personnel will all benefit from the understanding of retort processing provided by this course.

Accommodation and Transport:

Participants are required to organise their own accommodation, and transport to and from the venue. Please contact us for suggestions about accommodation available near-by the venue.

What participants need to bring:

Participants are required to bring covered-in waterproof shoes, preferably steel-capped boots for the practical sessions, plus notepad, pen or pencil and highlighter.

Cancellation policy:

Fees, less a 10% handling charge, will be refunded if participants cancel their registration prior to 3 September 2010 (i.e. 16 days or more prior to the commencement of the course). Fees will not be refunded after that date, but a substitute participant will be accepted at any time.

Foodstream Pty Ltd reserves the right to cancel or postpone the course if necessary (e.g. due to insufficient registrations). In this case a full refund of fees will be available. FoodStream’s Liability is limited to the registration fee only, and FoodStream cannot be held liable for air fares, accommodation, or other related expenses.

This training can also be offered to companies on-site at their facility.

Click here for more information on options for offering this course on-site.

Innoven Food Industry Centre

Shepparton, Victoria, Australia

20 - 23 September 2010

This page last updated 12 August 2010.