Aseptic filling system, and filling and packaging method

Abstract

Provided is an aseptic filing system, in which, in filling and packaging a processed food processed using an extruder in an aseptic environment, a thermal conduit that is capable of being temperature-controlled to a predetermined sterilization temperature is connected to a discharge port of a barrel portion of the extruder, and the processed food is sterilized according to residence time during which the processed food discharged from the extruder flows through the thermal conduit. Also provided is a filling and packaging method, in which a processing condition is adjusted so that water activity of the processed food discharged from the extruder is less than 0.94, the processed food discharged from the extruder is filled and packaged in a sealable container at a temperature of 65 to 99° C., and an oxygen concentration in the container with the processed food filled and packaged is set to 1% or less.

1 . An aseptic filling system, in which
 in filling and packaging a processed food processed by using an extruder in an aseptic environment,   a thermal conduit that is capable of being temperature-controlled to a predetermined sterilization temperature is connected to a discharge port of a barrel portion of the extruder, and   the processed food is sterilized according to residence time during which the processed food discharged from the extruder flows through the thermal conduit.   
     
     
         2 . A filling and packaging method comprising:
 in filling and packaging a processed food processed by using an extruder,   adjusting a processing condition so that water activity of the processed food discharged from the extruder is less than 0.94;   filling and packaging the processed food that is discharged from the extruder and has a temperature of 65 to 99° C. into a sealable container; and   setting an oxygen concentration in the container in which the processed food is filled and packaged to 1% or less.   
     
     
         3 . The filling and packaging method according to  claim 2 , wherein the container is made of an oxygen absorbing packaging material. 
     
     
         4 . A filling and packaging method comprising:
 adjusting a processing condition so that water activity of the processed food discharged from the extruder is less than 0.94;   filling and packaging the processed food that is discharged from the extruder and has a temperature of 60 to 99° C. into a sealable container made of an oxygen absorbing packaging material; and   setting an oxygen concentration in the container in which the processed food is filled and packaged to 1% or less.   
     
     
         5 . The filling and packaging method according to  claim 2 , wherein the processed food discharged from the extruder is filled and packaged in the container in an aseptic environment.