Reusable Container and Method for Retorting Flexible Packages Containing Foodstuff

Abstract

Method for retorting flexible packages containing foodstuff comprising retorting the flexible packages containing foodstuff in reusable, hermetically resealable, rigid retort containers. A retort container comprises a body portion including a base and outer side walls extending from the base to a mouth portion defining an opening and a resealable lid for selectively hermetically sealing the opening in the container and alternatively opening the container for removal of the flexible packages containing foodstuff.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention relates to retorting packaged foodstuff, and in particular, relates to retorting flexible packages containing foodstuff. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Packaged food products, also called foodstuffs, often must be sterilized. One process for sterilizing packaged foodstuff is retorting, which is treatment of the packaged foodstuff under heat and pressure. Generally, in a retort system, a foodstuff is packaged in suitable containers such as cans, glass jars, plastic trays, or flexible pouches. The packaged foodstuff is then subjected to heat and pressure in a processing chamber. [0003] Some retort systems are batch processes and some are continuous processes. Continuous processes are often more efficient. Examples of retort systems include continuous hydrostatic retort systems and continuous agitating retort systems. Both types of systems include a conveyor for carrying foodstuff packaged in containers, a container feeder for delivering packag...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] More particularly, according to an embodiment of the invention, a method for retorting flexible packages containing foodstuff comprises placing the flexible packages containing foodstuff into reusable, hermetically resealable, rigid retort containers, hermetically sealing the flexible packages containing foodstuff in the retort containers, retorting the flexible packages containing foodstuff in the containers, and opening the containers and removing the retorted flexible packages containing foodstuff from the containers. The system reduces packaging costs because it can be adapted to existing retort equipment and it uses flexible packaging which is typically less expensive than other types of packaging such as cans. According to a preferred embodiment, the step of retorting the flexible packages containing foodstuff is continuous and the method further comprises reusing the retort containers. In a more preferred embodiment, the steps of placing, hermetically sealing, retorting, opening, and removing are continuous. Furthermore, because flexible foodstuff packaged in flexible packaging can be formed into a thinner overall configuration than cans, foodstuff packaged in flexible packages can be thoroughly heated and sterilized or cooked faster than foodstuff packaged in cans. In addition, with flexible packaging, the foodstuff near the exterior of the container is less likely to be overcooked in order to be thoroughly sterilize the center of the foodstuff in the packaging.

Problems solved by technology

Such continuous retort systems are often large and expensive and require a large capital investment for the packaged foodstuff manufacturer.

Thus, a continuous retort system for cans is particularly suited for cans and cannot be easily or inexpensively modified to handle other retort containers such as glass jars, plastic trays, or flexible pouches.

Nonetheless, packaged foodstuff manufacturers find it difficult to switch from flexible packaging for retorted packaged foodstuff because the continuous retort systems that they already own are not suitable for retorting flexible packaging and the capital investment in converting continuous retort systems from using cans as retort containers to flexible packaging as retort containers or purchasing an additional system custom made for retorting foodstuff packaged in flexible packaging is too expensive.

Such batch processes require more handling and are more labor intensive than with processing with cans.

Batch processing is also typically much slower than continuous processing.

Thus, with conventional systems, the cost of retorting foodstuff packaged in flexible packages is excessive when compared to packaging foodstuff in cans with existing equipment.

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