Abstract: A tray for supporting food products that exude liquid. The tray (12) includes a bottom panel (20) and side walls defining a liquid collection space (34). A plurality of upwardly extending protrusions (42) are positioned in a pattern across and along the bottom panel. A liquid absorbent pad (18) is positioned in the liquid collection space and has seams (47) that match the pattern of the upwardly extending protrusions, so the protrusions of the tray support the seams of the absorbent pad over the bottom wall of the collection space.

Abstract: A container for items such as food products that exude liquid includes a tray (12) with a liquid collection space (34) at the bottom of the tray, liquid absorbent pad (18) in said liquid collection space that includes a liquid impervious upper sheet (30), a porous bottom sheet (31) and absorbent material (32) positioned there between. Liquid exuding products are supported on the pad (18) and the tray includes a plurality of upright grooves (27) in the side wall structure that face inwardly that form liquid channels for draining liquid exuded from the food products downwardly to the recessed bottom panel of the tray where the liquid can be absorbed through the bottom sheet by the absorbent material of the pad.

Abstract: A container for items such as food products that exude liquid includes a tray (12) with a liquid collection space (34) at the bottom of the tray, liquid absorbent pad (18) in said liquid collection space that includes a liquid impervious upper sheet (30), a porous bottom sheet (31) and absorbent material (32) positioned there between. Liquid exuding products are supported on the pad (18) and the tray includes a plurality of upright grooves (27) in the side wall structure that face inwardly that form liquid channels for draining liquid exuded from the food products downwardly to the recessed bottom panel of the tray where the liquid can be absorbed through the bottom sheet by the absorbent material of the pad.

Abstract: Tomatoes are placed on parallel cutter blades (20) in article openings (46) of an article positioning plate (44). Alternate blades are oscillated in arcuate paths in opposite direction as article pushers (24) move downwardly, pushing the tomatoes through the parallel cutter blades (20). The end slices of the tomatoes are gathered separately in the collectors (96) and are later discarded, while the intermediate slices are received in a transfer plate (78). Gathering plates (100) urge the intermediate slices of the several tomatoes together in one accumulation of tomato slices, and the transfer plate (78) is lowered to a position immediately above the shipping containers (80) and opened to deposit the tomatoes in the shipping containers. A fluid spray nozzle (75) may be positioned to emit a spray of gas or liquid between the fins of the pushers and/or toward the cutter blades (20) and toward engagement with the tomatoes for sterilizing, cleaning, or other treatment of the tomatoes and the adjacent surfaces.

Abstract: Described herein are food preservation compositions. The compositions are composed of an absorbent material and an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent can be a volatile, nonvolatile, or a combination thereof. The compositions are effective in reducing or preventing microbial growth in food storage articles.

Abstract: Described herein are food preservation compositions. The compositions are composed of an absorbent material and an antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent can be a volatile, nonvolatile, or a combination thereof. The compositions are effective in reducing or preventing microbial growth in food storage articles.

Abstract: A preferred storage container includes a base that defines an interior, and a lid that defines a reservoir. The lid is configured to engage the base so that food products placed within the interior may be retained therein. An absorbent material is arranged within the reservoir of the lid and is retained therein by a cover formed of liquid permeable material. The cover permits liquid exuded from the food products to enter the reservoir so that the absorbent material may absorb the liquid, such as when the storage container is inverted. Methods also are provided.