Abstract: A method and means is provided for extending the shelf life of a food product by successively subjecting the food product to UV germicidal irradiation and an ozone/water or ozone/air treatment. The UV unit and the ozone unit may be reversed so that the food product is first treated with the ozone and then subjected to the UV germicidal irradiation treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing meat comprising an endless conveyor having an infeed end and a discharge end with the conveyor passing through a housing or tank which is partially filled with agitated water. Pieces of meat are conveyed by the conveyor through the agitated water to remove foreign particles therefrom. The foreign particles are recirculated through a filter and a water chiller with the chilled and filtered water then being returned to the tank. Excess water is blown from the pieces of meat after the pieces of meat have been conveyed through the agitated water. The method of processing the meat is also described.

Abstract: A tongue rack includes a frame with a plurality of troughs supported on the frame. Each trough is generally U-shaped in cross-section and sloped, with the open upper end of the trough located above a closed lower end of the trough. A tongue placed in the trough will shorten in length and increase in thickness as it is chilled. The method of the invention includes extracting a beef tongue from an animal and positioning the tongue into the sloped trough with the base end of the tongue against the closed end of the trough and the tipped end of the tongue proximal the open end of the trough, prior to rigor mortis setting in on the tongue.