The objective of this work was to study the effect of three different retort motions on the rate of heat penetration in pouches. Pouches were processed in a water spray batch retort system using static, oscillating continuously at a speed of 10.5 rotations per minute (RPM) with an angle of 15 degrees, and oscillating at 10.5 rpm at a 15 degree angle with a 15-s hold. There was no difference in the rate of between static and oscillating processes (p > .05). There was a difference in the between static and oscillating with a hold processes (p < .05). At a 90% confidence interval, there was also a difference between the rate of heat penetration between the oscillating and oscillating with a hold processes (p > .05, p 5 .056). The location of the pouches on the retort rack did not influence the rate of heat penetration within the three methods or between the three methods (p > .05). Practical applicationsDespite novel technological developments for creating sterile shelf stable products, thermal processing is still the most reliable method. Creating innovation within thermal processing by using different methods of motion to create faster heating profiles can improve the quality of products.This research can be used for optimizing retort processes for food products in pouches. Processing with motion has been seen to reduce the processing time which can increase nutrient retention, reduce thermal abuse, and ultimately save money and increase production. Retort food manufacturers can use oscillating and hold motion to make higher quality products in less time than static motion.

This research can be applied to food manufacturers that are retorting foods in pouches. Residual air in pouches has been studied previously; however, with the development of new retort motions, more research needs to be conducted about the effect of residual air in a pouch using the different motions. Food manufacturers can use this information to optimize their amount of residual air based on their product viscosity and retort motion. This could dramatically lower processing time which would save money and increase output as well as potentially increases product quality. This research is aimed at influencing food manufacturers, process authorities, and product developers.

Popcorn is a very social food, often shared with others and offered at many major sporting events, concerts, movies, and fairs. However, sharing may not be safe since microorganisms found on hands may be transferred onto the shared popcorn. This study was conducted to determine if bacteria are transferred from hands to popcorn during handling. Over 30 samplings revealed that bacterial transfer to popcorn from hands was very low; however transfer did occur with large variation between subjects. Since hands and surfaces can carry bacteria in situations where food is being shared, transferring bacteria from one person to another person is always a risk.