Zero outbreaks. In the more than 10 years since the mandatory pasteurization program for almonds went into effect, this impeccable food safety record can mainly attribute its success to one thing — a relentless industrywide pursuit of staying one step ahead in food safety.
Innovations have been at the heart of this unrelenting focus, with processors and affiliated industry organizations constantly seeking ways to improve system efficiencies. With The Almond Conference just a few weeks away, it’s an ideal time to learn more about the latest in cutting-edge technologies and what’s next for almond pasteurization.
Next month, technology experts from across the globe will gather at The Almond Conference in Sacramento to showcase their unique products and solutions for meeting the needs of almond processors. The session “Almond Pasteurization: Landscape of Technologies/Equipment,” in particular, is a chance for almond industry members to learn about multiple available products and how each could potentially improve their operation.
“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all technology for processing,” said Tim Birmingham, director of Quality Assurance and Industry Services for the Almond Board of California. “The companies won’t be giving a sales pitch — they will be showing attendees the latest solutions and newest equipment available in the industry.”
The sheer size of processing equipment makes exhibiting products at tradeshows difficult, so this presentation-style session is one of the best ways to compare options. Birmingham also said that all presentations will draw back to preventive measures that can be implemented in processing facilities, which is especially timely considering that compliance of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Preventive Controls is now required for processing businesses of all sizes.
Each company will have about 20 minutes to provide details and equipment specs on throughput, validations, features that maintain product quality and other innovative aspects of their equipment. There will also be time reserved for questions at the end of the session — attendees are encouraged to come prepared.
Those presenting include Gerhard Knol of Log5, Jim Becker of Revtech Process Systems, Paul Favia of Crystal Process Equipment (Laitram Machinery), Ramesh Gunawardena of JBT FoodTech and Dr. Cameon Ivarsson with Napasol. Birmingham said the expert information makes this session a must-attend for almond handlers.
“If any handlers are looking for an upgrade on their equipment, or if you’re scaling up your business and starting in-house processing, this session is for you,” Birmingham said. “It will allow you to quickly evaluate the processing playing field all at once.”
Handlers should look to attend the session “Almond Pasteurization: Landscape of Technologies/Equipment,” which will be held on day two of The Almond Conference from 10:15–11:55 a.m. in Room 306–307. Registration for The Almond Conference is free and now open at AlmondConference.com.
