Thermal processing remains the most important method of food preservation in use today. The immense scale of these production operations makes it more important than ever that the process is performed perfectly every time: failure will lead to product deterioration and loss of sales at best and, at worst, to serious illness or death. This volume is designed to be the definitive modern-day reference for all those involved in thermal processing. It covers all of the essential information regarding the preservation of food products by heat. It includes all types of food product, from those high in acid and given a mild heat process, to the low-acid sterilised foods that require a full botulinum cook. Different chapters deal with the manufacturing steps from raw material microbiology, through various processing regimes, validation methods, packaging, incubation testing and spoilage incidents. The authors have extensive knowledge of heat preservation covering all parts of the world and represent organisations with formidable reputations in this field. The book will be of practical use to students of food science and technology, as well as for their lecturers and for individuals in companies and research centres that have a need to understand thermal processing principles.