Regulations for thermally processed low acid and acidified foods packaged in hermetically sealed containers (21 CFR 108, 113, and 114) are designed to prevent public health problems from commercially canned foods. The regulations require that operators of processing and packaging systems and container closure inspectors be under the operating supervision of a person who has attended and successfully completed appropriate instruction prescribed by FDA. Regulations for thermally processed meat and poultry products (9 CFR 318.300 and 381.300) and thermally processed low acid animal foods (21 CFR 507 and 508) include similar training requirements.
Better Process Control Schools (BPCS) provide practical applications of principles set forth in the regulations and satisfy the training requirements of both FDA and USDA.
Washington State University is approved by the FDA to offer these schools which satisfy the FDA, USDA, and State education requirements for canned low acid and acidified foods. WSU offers a two-day course for processors of acidified foods in glass containers as well as the four-day schools which covers all process systems and all types of containers and closures. Private instruction tailored specifically to individual company needs is also available.
Please review conference policies.
Dates & Fee:
February 2025 – Exact dates TBA
$485 2 Day
$625 4 Day
Courses run from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day.
Check-in starts at 7:45 am the first day.
Course is limited to 40 people
Coffee and refreshments will be provided. Lunch is on your own.
Course Material and Additional Information
It is recommended that you study the chapters applicable to you thoroughly before attending course. There are tests following each chapter.
Course materials will only be shipped for paid attendees.
Course location
TBA
Two Day Course – Acidified Course – $485.00
- Check-in begins at 7:45 am and training hours are 8 am to 5 pm.
- Manuals will be mailed out to paid attendees.
- Manuals need to be brought to the training.
- Onsite instructors will review the material, but you are required to study it prior to attending. Tests will be given after every chapter and you must pass with a 70% or greater.
The two-day course includes the following subjects:
- FDA Presentation
- Chapter 1 – Introduction
- Chapter 2 – Microbiology
- Chapter 3 – Sanitation for Retorts and Atmospheric Cookers
- Chapter 6 – Closures for Glass and Twist-Off Plastic Containers
- Chapter 8 – Introduction to Thermal Processing
- Chapter 15 – Mild Thermal Processing
Registration is now closed for 2024 BPCS 2 Day
Four-Day School – Full Training – $625.00
- Check-in begins at 7:45 am and training hours are 8 am to 5 pm.
- Manuals will be mailed out to paid attendees.
- Manuals need to be brought to the training.
- Onsite instructors will review the material, but you are required to study it prior to attending. Tests will be given after every chapter and you must pass with a 70% or greater.
The four-day school includes all of the above subjects plus the following:
If time allows, these chapters are covered at the end of day 2. If not, then they are starting on Day 3:
- Chapter 5 – Closures for Double Seamed Metal and Plastic Containers
- Chapter 7 – Flexible and Semi-rigid Containers
Day 3 & 4
- Chapter 4 – Sanitation for Continuous Systems
- Chapter 9 – Retort Equipment & Operation
- Chapter 10 – Batch Saturated Steam Retorts: Still & Agitation
- Chapter 11 – Continuous Rotary Retorts
- Chapter 12 – Still & Agitating Retorts that Process with Overpressure
- Chapter 13 – Hydrostatic Retorts
- Chapter 14 – Aseptic Processing and Packaging Systems
Registration is now closed for 2024 BPCS 4 Day
Please email Cathy Blood if you wish to join our email distribution list to be notified about the training.
Cancellations Policy
Cancellations will be accepted until 7 business days before the course start date, and the registration fee, less $100 will be refunded. After that time, no refunds will be made for cancellations.
Substitution Policy
Substitutions will be allowed at any time. For additional information please contact our office at 509-335-2845 or email.
Payment Policy
Your registration is not final until full payment is received. Please send check payments prior to beginning of the course. Course materials will only be available for paid attendees. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and checks for payments.
If you have problems with registration, please contact Cathy Blood via email:
If you have course content questions, please contact Girish Ganjyal via email: