Indigenous retort
Defence Food research laboratory (DFRL), Mysore, has been a pioneer in developing the retort pouch processing technology indigenously in the country. Over the past two decades, research and development work has been carried out in developing multilayer flexible packaging materials as well as designing a simple low cost retort (semi-automatic and automatic) amenable to Indian food industry. Due to continuous efforts, DFRL has so far successfully transferred the retort pouch processing technology to 44 firms for commercial exploitation.
Principle of Retort Processing
Retort processing is generally carried out for low acid foods with a pH more than 4.5 at a temperature of 121.1degree centigrade using moist heat. During heat treatment, undesirable spoilage as well as pathogenic microorganisms are inactivated / killed and thereby the food products become commercially sterile. Thermal destruction of microorganisms is measured and monitored by time-temperature history, lethality and Fo -value.
During retort pouch processing, the partially cooked food is filled in pre-fabricated multilayer flexible pouches like and hermetic sealed. The pouches are then stacked in a specially designed retort in which the packed food is subjected to 121.10C under pneumatic pressure till commercial sterility is achieved. The progress of the heat transfer during sterilization process is monitored by special thermocouples and thereby time-temperature history, lethality and Fo -value are obtained. Generally, the process schedule is optimized based on nutritivity, quality attributes like colour, texture and taste as well as thermal resistance of microorganisms. Retort pouch processed foods have shelf-stability of one year under ambient condition and do not require for refrigerated storage.
Design and fabrication of indigenous retort
Since, no indigenous retort was available in India, DFRL has designed and fabricated semi automatic as well as automatic steam-air retorts with the assistance of fabricators and are now being adopted by the industries.
Rations for Service Forces
The development of pack rations to service forces is very critical. Because, protection of food items from physical and chemical deterioration during storage, transport and handling, the packaging and packing of any operational ration used during logistic period, depends upon three main considerations of (i) operational limitations on meals patterns, (ii) operational limitations on weight and volume and (iii) availability of materials. With the due consideration to the above fact, Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysore has developed various rations such as one man compo pack ration, modified (mini) compo pack ration, meals-ready-to-eat ration, MBT ration, sub marine ration and survival ration for PSP to meet the operational requirements of Army, Navy and Air Force. Among these rations, Meals – Ready – to - Eat rations have been specially developed to meet the operational needs for the Army and Navy.
The further research is in progress to develop/select low cost flexible packaging materials for microwavable retort pouch products. It has also been planned to develop multi entree / multi product retort processed trays to improve convenience and provide wholesome meals.
One Response to “Indigenous retort”
By Rama Krishna G on Jul 29, 2008 | Reply
Res sir My name is Rama Krishna .I would like to enter Food processing line.mainly ready to eat pouch packing foods.How to get the technology from your organisations.Terms and conditions contact address and phone nembers. please send complete mail for me. yours Rama krishna.