Abstract: A meat product of at least one individual chunk of meat cooked in a compact form in an outer mesh netting is provided. The meat product is simultaneously wrapped and covered with both a thin and fragile edible inner collagen film and the outer netting such that the edible inner collagen film is in surface contact with the meat product as a casing and as a separating medium to hinder adhesion of the outer netting to the meat product. The netting completely encloses both the meat product and the inner collagen film. The meat product is then heat treated by cooking it as well as the edible inner collagen film and the outer netting to avoid any problem of sticking of the netting to the meat product and preclude damage to the edible inner collagen film. The edible collagen film is insoluble in water so that the cooking makes it possible to provide a compact, ready-to-eat meat product with a flawless, intact outer surface. Finally, the outer netting is removed to obtain a visually pleasing meat product.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of meat products, especially cooked ham, which is cooked in a compact form in a net, wherein the raw or preprocessed meat product is wrapped in a casing of edible collagen and a netting of optional mesh design is applied thereover and, subsequently, the product is subjected to the final cooking. Apparatus for the simultaneous enveloping of compact meat products with an edible collagen film and an elastic netting includes a feed sheet for the meat products, which fits into an inner guide tube, and an outer tube upon which a supply of the elastic netting is provided, and a guide channel situated therebetween for the collagen film(s). The apparatus is complemented by elements for maintaining a supply of the collagen film and the unrolling and fold-free guidance of the collagen film, as well as a conventional clipping device.

Abstract: A process for the production of meat products, especially cooked ham, which is cooked in a compact form in a net, wherein the raw or pre-processed meat product is wrapped in a casing of edible collagen and a netting of optional mesh design is applied thereover and, in a subsequent step, the product is subjected to the final cooking process. Procedure for the simultaneous enveloping of compact meat products with an edible collagen film and an elastic netting includes employment of a feed sheet for the meat products, which fits into an inner guide tube, and an outer tube upon which a supply of the elastic netting is provided, and a guide channel situated therebetween for the collagen film(s). The procedure is complemented by elements for maintaining a supply of the collagen film and the unrolling and fold-free guidance of the collagen film, as well as a conventional clipping device.

Abstract: Edible wreath shaped food casings are produced by a blow-extrusion method in which the inflated extruded tube is fed onto a series of rotating carrier elements whose peripheral velocity is the same as the rate of discharge of the tube from the extrusion nozzle. The carrier elements may be shaped in a variety of ways but the extruded tube is always led onto the first one tangentially. Lifting guides ensure proper transfer of the tube from one carrier element to the next. The method permits the production of thin-walled casings.

Abstract: In apparatus for shirring tubular films, the shirring rollers rotate not only about their own axes but also about the longitudinal axis of the shirring mandrel. This gives increased and more uniform compression.

Abstract: In apparatus for shirring tubular films, the shirring rollers rotate not only about their own axes but also about the longitudinal axis of the shirring mandrel. This gives increased and more uniform compression.

Abstract: Edible wreath shaped food casings are produced by a blow-extrusion method in which the inflated extruded tube is fed onto a series of rotating carrier elements whose peripheral velocity is the same as the rate of discharge of the tube from the extrusion nozzle. The carrier elements may be shaped in a variety of ways but the extruded tube is always led onto the first one tangentially. Lifting guides ensure proper transfer of the tube from one carrier element to the next. The method permits the production of thin-walled casings.

Abstract: Dyed edible food casings, e.g., sausage casings, are produced by applying an edible dye to an edible carrier therefor, fixing the dye on the carrier by use of a protein, and admixing the carrier with an edible casing material to form an extrudable composition. That composition is then used for production of the casing by extrusion. The dye can be a water soluble dye, a fat soluble but water insoluble dye, or a water insoluble, alkali soluble dye.

Abstract: A dyed edible food casing is produced by effecting dyeing prior to filling of the casing. The edible dyestuff is incorporated, as such or in encapsulated form, with the raw composition awaiting extrusion. Instead, the extruded tube is itself dyed. Water-resistance is imparted to the dyestuff by admixing a cross-linkable substance.

Abstract: A water-resistant printed mark is applied to collagen food casings using an edible printing ink comprising a pigment dyestuff, a liquid vehicle, and a cross-linkable substance. After application of the ink mark, the tube is subjected to a heating and/or tanning treatment to effect cross-linking and render the mark water resistant.

Abstract: Dyed edible food casings, e.g. sausage casings, are produced by applying an edible dye to an edible carrier therefor, fixing the dye on the carrier by use of a protein, and admixing the carrier with an edible casing material to form an extrudable composition. That composition is then used for production of the casing by extrusion. The dye can be a water soluble dye, a fat soluble but water insoluble dye, or a water insoluble, alkali soluble dye.