After unloading, a procedure known as "vessel debriefing" is carried out. This is a discussion between Bumble Bee quality control people and the skipper regarding the vessel handling and condition of the fish. The joint effort is intended to improve the quality of tuna delivered and reduce the incidence of rejects.

During the unloading, the fish is "sized" which keeps fish of the same size and weight together. The purpose of this is further quality assurance by providing uniformity in thawing and precooking.

The processing starts with tuna being moved from the freezer to thawing tanks. These are large water tanks where the tuna is uniformly thawed preparatory to the initial cleaning of the tuna.

The tuna is then loaded into metal racks, which are wheeled into large steam pressure-cooking chambers, called retorts.

Tuna is baked for a prescribed time and temperature, depending upon the size of the fish. This steam baking removes the natural tuna oil which is too strong in flavor to remain in the fish and prepares the tuna for the easy removal of skin and bones.

After baking, the racks of tuna are moved to a temperature-controlled room for cooling. Once the tuna is cooled it is sent to the cleaning tables where the separation of edible meat from skin & bones begins. There are two stations used for preparing Albacore tuna, one where the skin is removed and a separate one for removal of bones. This is an "extra" Bumble Bee process to assure premium quality canned tuna.

The cleaned loins are then moved to the canning process. Cans are automatically filled with tuna and move in a single line from the filling machine to the vacuum sealer. Next the cans of tuna automatically receive the appropriate measure of salt, vegetable broth, water or oil. Lids are then automatically clinched on the top of the can before entering the vacuum sealer, where the air is withdrawn and the lid hermetically sealed.

The cans proceed through a water bath for cleaning off oil residue and then are placed back into retort baskets. After the prescribed cook time and temperature the sterilized canned tuna is removed from the retort and moved to a cooling area. When the cans have cooled they are labeled.

The day following packing, quality control personnel cut open representative samples from the previous days pack and grade them for the following: vacuum, appearance, smell, texture, style of pack, cleanliness, and flavor. The results of the cuttings determine if the product is marketable as Bumble Bee. If the product receives Q.A. (Quality Assurance) approval it is sent to the warehouse for shipment to the marketplace.

Throughout the entire processing, quality control measures are exercised to maintain the standards that result in a "Bumble Bee" quality product, a product that is superior to, or competitive with any premium brand for consistency in appearance, cleanliness, smell and flavor. Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore Tuna is considered by the trade, consumers and competitors, to be the standard of quality for white meat tuna and as a result has enjoyed the Number 1 market position for many years.