OAR 603-029-2615: Critical Factors and the Application of the Process Schedule

Critical factors specified in the process schedule must be measured, controlled, and recorded by the state-inspected 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: (1) General. (a) Maximum fill-in weight or drained weight; (b) Arrangement of pieces in the container; (c) Container orientation during thermal processing; (d) Product formulation; (e) Particle size; (f) Maximum thickness for flexible containers, and to some extent semirigid containers, during thermal processing; (g) Maximum pH; (h) Percent salt; (i) Ingoing (or formulated) nitrite level (ppm); (j) Maximum water activity; and (k) Product consistency or viscosity. (2) Continuous rotary and batch agitating retorts. (a) Minimum headspace; and (b) Retort reel speed. (3) Hydrostatic retorts. (a) Chain or conveyor speed. (4) Steam/air retorts. (a) Steam/air ratio; and (b) Heating medium flow rate.