Better Process Control Schools
The Better Process Control Schools (BPCS) certify supervisors of thermal processing systems, acidification, and container closure evaluation programs for low-acid and acidified canned foods. Each processor of low-acid or acidified foods must operate with a certified supervisor on hand at all times during processing.
FDA's regulations in 21 CFR 108, 113, and 114 became effective May 15, 1979. These regulations are designed to prevent public health problems in low-acid and acidified low-acid canned foods. The BPCS provide the practical application of the principles set forth by these regulations. These FDA regulations also apply to low-acid canned pet foods.
Similar regulations and training requirements, 9 CFR 318.300 and 381.300 for thermally processed meat and poultry products, were implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on June 19, 1987.
Instructors for these schools are drawn from the FDA-approved universities, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), the GMA Science and Education Foundation, industry, and FDA.
These schools satisfy the training requirements specified in both the FDA and USDA regulations.
The BPCS courses listed below are in chronological order. For registration, course agenda, and hotel information, please contact the school of your choice. You may link to the university website by clicking on the university name or you may send an email directly to the contact person at each university by clicking on their name.
April 1-4, 2008
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Location: Best Western Inn Tower, Madison, WI
Contact: Dr. Steve Ingham, Phone: (608) 265-4801 / Fax: (608) 262-6872
Registration Contact: CALS Conference Services, Phone: (608) 263-1672 / Fax: (608) 262-5088
April 21-24, 2008
Pennsylvania State University
Location: The Nittany Lion Inn, State College, PA
Contact: Dr. Stephanie Doores, Phone: (814) 863-2956 / Fax: (814) 863-6132
Registration Contact: Melissa Maurer, Phone: (814) 863-7025 / Fax: (814) 865-7050
May 5-8, 2008
Purdue University
Location: Stewart Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Contact: Kiya Smith, Phone: (765) 496-3827
Registration Contact: Thomas Robertson, Phone: (765) 494-7220 / Fax: (765) 494-0567
May 6-8, 2008
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Location: East Campus Union, East Campus, UNL, Lincoln NE
Contact: Dr. Durward Smith, Phone (402) 472-2831 / Fax (402) 472-1693
Registration Contact: Nina Murray, Phone: (402) 472-2816 / Fax: (402) 472-1693
May 6-9, 2008
Cornell University
Location: Ramada Inn Geneva Lakefront, Geneva, NY
Contact: Dr. Olga Padilla-Zakour, Phone: (315) 787-2259 / Fax: (315) 787-2397
Registration Contact: Nancy Long, Phone: (315) 787-2288 / Fax: (315) 787-2443
May 13-16, 2008
English
New Mexico State University
Location: Gerald Thomas Hall, Las Cruces, NM
Contact: Dr. Nancy Flores, Phone: (505) 646-1179 / Fax: (505) 646-1889
Registration Contact: Gloria Hernandez, Phone: (505) 646-2198 / Fax: (505) 646-1889
May 27-30, 2008
Spanish
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Location: Food Industry Complex, UNL, East Campus, Lincoln, NE
Contact: Dr. Rolando Flores, Phone (402) 472-2831
Registration Contact: Nina Murray, Phone: (402) 472-2816 / Fax: (402) 472-1693
June 9-12, 2008
Spanish
The Ohio State University
Location: Kottman Hall, Room 103
Contact: Dr. Valente B. Alvarez, Phone: (614) 292-7004 / Fax: (614) 688-5459
Registration Contact: Mike Piek, Phone: (614) 292-4045 / Fax: (614) 688-5459
June 16-19, 2008
Spanish
Chapman University
Location: Chapman's Orange Campus
Contact: Marilyn de Vasconcellos, Phone: (951) 479-1367 / Fax: (714) 997-6548
July 14-17, 2008
Louisiana State University
Location: Knapp Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA
Contact: Ashley Bond, Phone: (225) 578-6304
Registration Contact: Laura Savage, Phone: (225) 578-5207 / Fax: (225) 578-5300
November 17-20, 2008
Rutgers University
Location: Cook Campus Center, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Contact: Dr. Donald Schaffner
Registration Contact: Kristyn Saunders, Phone: (732) 932-9271 / Fax: (732) 932-1187
Need more information or have questions about the BPCS? Please contact:
Sherri Frye
Executive Assistant, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs
(202) 637-4806