The Purdue University Aseptic Processing and Packaging Workshop, a course that gives students a thorough introduction to the scientific and engineering principles behind aseptic processing and packaging, is now being offered in a fully online format.
Topics presented in the online workshop include an overview of aseptic processing and packaging; microbial principles applied to aseptic processing; chemical considerations; principles of thermal processing and thermo-bacteriology; equipment features; packaging and assessment of the package's sealing integrity; and compliance considerations. Upon request, the workshop’s content can be customized to fit the individual needs of companies, making the online workshop a readily accessible upskilling tool for employees working in the aseptic packaging industry.
“Each year, there are more participants who want to attend the course but cannot get enrolled due to the capacity for the in-person workshop, which is limited to 72 seats,” says Dharmendra Mishra, associate professor of food science at Purdue. “The online option will help extend the learnings to a wider aseptic community, especially for those whose schedules do not allow the dedicated time for an in-person workshop and for international participants.
“Training of personnel is a key factor in keeping the food safe in commercial food manufacturing,” Mishra continues. “It helps employees learn the fundamentals of manufacturing operations and steps that are taken to avoid potential risk to the food product. We collaborate with various corporate partners for their specific needs for empowering employees.”
The online course has open registration, and participants can start at any time. The workshop is worth 2.4 Continuing Education Units and 24 contact hours. It is open to all kinds of professionals from a variety of industries and taught by an aseptic processing expert.
To register for Purdue’s online Aseptic Processing and Packaging Workshop, visit the program’s website.