MSU Extension Product Center

Better Process Control School (BPCS) is a certification course which presents information to students about retorts, processing systems, aseptic processing and packaging systems. Per the Federal Food & Drug Administration published in the Federal Register, March 16, 1979, Vol. 44, No. 53, a regulation titled, ACIDIFIED FOODS AND LOW—ACID FOODS IN HERMETICALLY SEALED CONTAINERS—MANUFACTURE & PROCESSING.  Parts 113.10 and 114.10, Personnel state: 

“All operators of retorts, processing systems, and aseptic processing and packaging systems, and container closure inspectors shall be under operating supervision of a person who has attended a school approved by the Commissioner for giving instruction in retort operations, processing systems operations, aseptic processing and packaging systems operations, and container closure inspections, and has been identified by that school as having satisfactorily completed the prescribed course of instruction.” 

Some examples of food products which require BPCS certification are pickles, sauces, salad dressings, condiments, salsas, and hot pepper jams.  

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Important Note

All food and beverage products (even similar items) may have different regulations depending on what ingredients are used, the location or facility in which it is being produced, the packaging materials used, the distribution or shipping methods, as well as a variety of others. Licensing and regulation for food and beverage production in Michigan is administered by Local Health Departments, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), local zoning regulations, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). 

To guide you through the process of launching your food or beverage business, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension’s Product Center is an organization that brings together on-campus expertise in the sectors of food, agriculture, and natural resources to help entrepreneurs define and launch innovative products. Field-based innovation counselors advise entrepreneurs on a variety of services, including business planning, packaging and labeling rules, licensing and regulatory requirements, marketing, branding, distribution, product testing, and other product development needs.  

To access business development assistance from the MSU Product Center staff, select the “Become a Client” button on the MSU Product Center website. There is a $100 application fee to join, which grants clients access to unlimited counseling hours. We also ask that clients sign a confidentiality agreement to protect their information. 

If you have specific questions about how your product will be regulated, you may reach out to your Local Health Department or the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).