Abstract: A sizing device is described using traveling conveying spool rollers. The rollers are of a configuration using various openings that allow the produce to be sized as to shape or cross section diameter. Rollers are constructed of a plastic polymer with a very low friction coefficient, thus avoiding the scuffing damage to the produce. The variant surface speed of the spools encountered by the produce coupled with the speed of the whole creates movement of the produce which assures that the size openings are available and encountered by the undersized pieces.

Abstract: A new method of vacuum packaging food products utilizing a vacuum and seal following a blanch and achieving a combination of heat and reduced pressure which causes a critical point or boiling point of water, resulting in microbial kill in excess of that achieved by the blanch alone and significantly enhancing shelf life and safety of the food products.