A process and system for aseptic processing of a food containing solid
particles, the process including the steps of: (a) providing a
particulate food processing system including a first chamber and a second
chamber; (b) creating a condition of sterility in the second chamber; (c)
heating the food particles in the first chamber in a bulk sterilization
step, at a temperature above the ambient temperature, so as to produce
sterilized food particles; (d) transferring the sterilized food particles
to the second chamber, and (e) flash cooling the sterilized food
particles in the second chamber while maintaining the condition of
sterility in the second chamber.
