Better Process Control School

For Managers and Supervisors of Food Processing Operations

Tuesday May 13th through Friday May 16th, 2008

New Mexico State University
Gerald Thomas Hall—Room 303
Las Cruces, New Mexico

A Better Process Control School (BPCS), which has been approved by the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration and co-sponsored by the Food Processors Institute (FPI) will be held at New Mexico State University

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This school is intended for and directed to the level of operating supervisors specified in 21 CFR 108.25(f), 108.35(g), 113.10 and 114.10 of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic act.

These sections indicate that all operators of thermal processing and packaging systems shall be under the operating supervision of a person who has attended a school approved by the FDA Commissioner. The BPCS represent a cooperative venture of university, FDA, and industry personnel.

A Commercial Processor is defined as "any person engaged in commercial, custom and so-called sportsman processing or institutional (church, school, penal or other organization) processing of low-acid foods for human consumption".

Low-Acid Foods—A "low-acid food" is "any food other than alcoholic beverages, with a finished equilibrium pH value of greater than 4.6 and a water activity greater than 0.85, and includes any normally low-acid fruits, vegetables, vegetable products, meats or pet foods". (21CFR, Part 113)

Acidified Foods—The course includes instruction on acidified foods. It will qualify commercial operators of plants producing acidified foods (fresh packed pickles, acidified peppers, pimentos, pickled eggs, salsa, etc.) to meet the requirements of the specific GMP for acidified foods. (21CFR, Part 114)

WHO ELSE MAY ATTEND
Attendance at the school by persons other than those requiring approved instruction, such as people from canneries producing acid foods, agencies regulating the food processing industry and management personnel is encouraged.

SCHEDULE OF SESSIONS
Registration will start at 8:00 a.m. on the first day of the course. School will end at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Textbooks will be distributed during registration. Program will be held at the Gerald Thomas Hall-Room 303, NMSU main campus, Las Cruces, New Mexico.

HOUSING, PARKING, TRANSPORTATION
Housing and transportation are the responsibility of each registrant. Some suggestions follow:

Ramada Palms de Las Cruces:210 University. Group rates for the university of $89.00 + tax (standard single) or $99.00+ tax (double beds). For reservations, call (575) 526-4411.

Comfort Inn: 2585 S. Valley Drive. Government rates of $64.95, single and $69.95, double. For reservations, call (575) 527-2000.

Plaza Suites: 301 E. University Avenue. $39.99 tax included (single king), $49.99 + tax (double/queen). Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee. For reservations, please call (575) 525-2083.

Please mention that you will be attending a Better Process Control School (BPCS) workshop at the New Mexico State University for the lowest rates possible.

PARKING
All visitors are required to download their own parking permit. For a parking permit please contact NMSU Parking services at (575) 646-1839 or you may download a parking permit at the following web site: http://www.campusvisitor.com/.

Registration fee: $500 per person, (university students $100, identification included). For multiple students we ask that each person register. Includes the textbook, instruction, and testing information. Lodging and meals are not included.

To register, complete the information on the registration form with check made payable to: New Mexico State University.Send registration fee to:

Attention: Nancy Flores,
New Mexico State University,
Department of Extension Home Economics, MSC-3AE
P.O. Box 30003
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8003.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

If you intend to bring the registration fee with you, please Fax or Email intent to attend. Those who have not cancelled reservations prior to the beginning of the course and "no shows" are subject to the entire fee.