Abstract: A method of applying an indicia to the surface of a cellulose casing by non contact printing wherein the indicium is applied in-line with the casing manufacture at a location between the wet end and the dry end of the casing manufacturing process wherein the indicia comprises an ink that is cured and cross linked with the cellulose prior to the casing reaching the dry end of the process. The indicia preferably is in the form of a dot matrix pattern that is visible yet presents no barrier to the passage of smoke.

Abstract: Bixin containing coloring compositions and self-coloring casings, particularly tubular cellulosic food casings, coated therewith, which compositions contain a dispersion of bixin in a water-soluble and/or alchol-soluble film forming agent, preferably hydroxypropylcellulose, a polyphosphate and optionally an antioxidant.

Abstract: Bixin containing coloring compositions and self-coloring casings, particularly tubular cellulosic food casings, coated therewith, which compositions contain bixin, a water-soluble film forming agent, preferably hydroxypropylcellulose, a polyphosphate and optionally an antioxidant.

Abstract: An edible food product comprising a processed food body having on its outer surface a desired indicia of aluminum-organic dye lake and a binder-carrier. The lake is dispersed in the binder-carrier and bonded to the food body outer surface by the binder-carrier. The food body may for example be meat, such as frankfurter, poultry, cheese or carbohydrate. The indicia may for example be spaced grill-like marks or a logo.

Abstract: A processable food package comprising a casing filled with water moisture-containing processable food. The latter's outside surface is in direct contact with the casing inner surface which contains an indicia substantially completely transferable to the food outer surface during processing. The indicia comprises an aluminum-organic dye lake and a binder-carrier dispersed therein which bonds the lake to the casing inner surface in a moisture insensitive manner.

Abstract: A method for making an indicia-containing food package wherein a casing article is provided having a plasticized flexible inner surface with an indicia comprising an aluminum-organic dye lake and a binder-carrier. The casing is filled with water moisturized processable food and the food-containing casing is processed at elevated temperature to cook the food and transfer the indicia to the food outer surface. The casing is then peeled from this surface.

Abstract: An article comprising a substrate such as cellulose casing, having thereon a desired indicia such as grill marks or a corporate logo. The indicia comprises an aluminum-organic dye lake and a binder-carrier, with the lake dispersed in the binder-carrier and bonded to the substrate by the binder-carrier in a moisture insensitive manner to form the indicia. The organic dye may for example be an FD&C color and the binder-carrier may for example be zein or shellac. The indicia is substantially completely transferable from the substrate to a contiguous edible surface in the presence of water. The food surface may for example be frankfurter and the transfer may for example take place during elevated temperature processing of the frankfurter emulsion in the cellulose casing.