Retort Operator (RTE / Retort Processing)

Job Description Retort Operator (RTE / Retort Processing)

Job Title: Retort Operator

Department: Production / Quality

Company: Wardwizard Foods & Beverages Ltd.

Location: POR, Vadodara, Gujarat

Employment Type: Full-time

Reports To: Production Manager / QC Incharge / Plant Head

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Job Purpose:

The Retort Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring the retort machines used for sterilization of Ready-to-Eat (RTE) packed food products (pouches, trays, cans). The role ensures correct temperature, pressure, and time parameters are maintained for product sterility and food safety, while meeting production schedules and minimizing deviations.

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Key Responsibilities:

1. Retort Machine Operation

• Operate batch retort / continuous retort / sterilizer machines as per SOP.
• Load and unload baskets/trays/pouches safely and efficiently.
• Ensure correct cycle selection based on product type, batch size, and packaging material.
• Monitor critical control parameters such as:
• F value / sterilization value
• Temperature & Pressure
• Time settings
• Cooling cycle

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2. Process Monitoring & Control

• Maintain detailed records of each retort cycle including:
• Start & stop times
• Actual temperature, pressure, and heating/cooling graph
• Batch manufacturing record (BMR)
• Ensure CCP (Critical Control Points) are followed as per HACCP.
• Respond to alarms and take immediate corrective action.

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3. Quality & Food Safety Compliance

• Ensure sealing integrity and leakage testing of pouches before loading.
• Conduct visual inspection of packaging quality (vacuum, sealing temperature).
• Work with QC and Microbiology team to validate sterility of batches.
• Ensure compliance with:
• FSSAI, HACCP, ISO 22000, GMP, USFDA (if applicable for export batches).

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4. Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Perform basic preventive maintenance and lubrication of retort machine.
• Identify equipment issues and escalate to maintenance team promptly.
• Maintain records for machine downtime and reasons for stoppage.

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5. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain production and retort logs, equipment logbooks, CCP monitoring records.
• Record batch traceability and ensure traceability tag placement.
• Prepare daily reports related to production volume, defects, deviations.

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6. Coordination & Teamwork

• Coordinate with:
• Production for batch scheduling
• QC for pre-retort pH and post-retort inspection
• Store/packing team for material flow
• Train helpers on loading/unloading and handling pouches safely.

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Skills & Competencies Required:

• Hands-on experience in operating retort/autoclave/sterilization systems.
• Basic knowledge of food processing and sterilization science.
• Good understanding of CCPs and parameters affecting product sterility.
• Ability to read and record data accurately (temperature, pressure, cycle time).
• Problem-solving skills and quick response to machine alarms.

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Education & Experience:

• ITI / Diploma in Mechanical / Electrical / Food Processing / Any Technical Trade

OR 12th pass with relevant retort experience.

• 2–5 years experience in retort / autoclave operation in:
• Ready-to-Eat foods / FMCG / Dairy / Canning industry / Frozen Foods
• Experience in steam-based retort systems preferred.