**4. Conclusion**

A computer program for on-line data acquisition and accomplished Fo assessment was developed by MS Visual Basic 6.0 language. This computer-based on-line device was able to evaluate the coldest point of the can in the retort and calculate process lethality or system Fo dynamically while sterilizing. Too much over or under process was avoidable for process design or schedule with the integration of such a device for on-line accomplished Fo determination during preprocessing. The setup of hardware and software for computerbased on-line assessment of sterilizing unit would be needed for the cases of new products, processes or equipments.

Non-uniform heat distribution in retort always exists. The designed program was able to perform heat distribution evaluation by recording and displaying maximum/minimum temperature deviation at different locations in retort during holding temperature in sterilization process. Lower sterilization temperature at 110oC had lower temperature deviation (1.6-2.8%) in the retort during the holding temperature comparing to 4.1-11.6% at 121 oC. Thus lower temperature tended to lower the deviation.

Coldest spot in a container during sterilization process can be verified by employing sterilizing value (Fo). The minimum of these values is corresponding to the point in the can which has the lowest accumulated heat. The coldest spot in the can of baby corns in saline solution while undergo sterilizing was confirmed to be at half of central axis of can by committing minimum value of Fo.

Portable or handy educational tools for sterilizing process was necessary to be available since most of the processes may routinely carry out for the same process schedule. The result could be used to assure food safety control.
