[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 9, Volume 2]

[Revised as of January 1, 2007]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 9CFR318.303]



[Page 286-287]

 

                  TITLE 9--ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS

 

     CHAPTER III--FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF 

                               AGRICULTURE

 

PART 318_ENTRY INTO OFFICIAL ESTABLISHMENTS; REINSPECTION AND

PREPARATION OF PRODUCTS--Table of Contents

 

                  Subpart G_Canning and Canned Products

 

Sec. 318.303  Critical factors and the application of the process schedule.



    Critical factors specified in the process schedule shall be 

measured, controlled and recorded by the establishment to ensure that 

these factors remain within the limits used to establish the process 

schedule. Examples of factors that are often critical to process 

schedule adequacy may include:

    (a) General. (1) Maximum fill-in weight or drained weight;

    (2) Arrangement of pieces in the container;

    (3) Container orientation during thermal processing;

    (4) Product formulation;

    (5) Particle size;

    (6) Maximum thickness for flexible, and to some extent semirigid 

containers during thermal processing;

    (7) Maximum pH;

    (8) Percent salt;

    (9) Ingoing (or formulated) nitrite level (ppm);

    (10) Maximum water activity; and

    (11) Product consistency or viscosity.



[[Page 287]]



    (b) Continuous rotary and batch agitating retorts. (1) Minimum 

headspace; and

    (2) Retort reel speed.

    (c) Hydrostatic retorts. (1) Chain or conveyor speed.

    (d) Steam/air retorts. (1) Steam/air ratio; and

    (2) Heating medium flow rate.