Thermal Processing Principles

Abstract

Since many of the processes utilized to preserve food products depend on the addition of thermal energy, it is important to understand the principles associated with food preservation through the addition of thermal energy. Most of the historical references to this method of food preservation are associated with canned foods, and the subject is most often referred to as thermal processing. The historical references include research associated with achieving safety of food products when considering the hazards from microbial pathogens associated with the raw food products. Although the processes developed for canned foods were designed primarily to ensure safety of the product when consumed, the same concepts apply to thermal processes for food where extension of shelf-life is the objective.