Abstract: Animal trimmings are converted to a finely textured beef product by heating ground animal trimmings to a temperature sufficient to liquefy fat in the animal trimmings and less than a temperature to significantly cook the animal trimmings thereby forming a heated slurry, separating at least a portion of the liquid fat from the heated slurry to form a lean textured beef slurry having a fat content of less than about 30% by weight and adding sodium carbonate to the lean textured beef slurry in an amount sufficient to provide a finely textured beef product comprising sodium carbonate in an amount of from about 0.02 to about 0.1% by weight. Finely textured beef products and mixed meat products comprising the finely textured beef products are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous disinfectant for disinfecting inanimate surfaces, a concentrate for producing the application solution, and the use of the disinfectant to eliminate microorganisms. The combination of a plurality of organic acids according to the invention is, surprisingly, a synergistic composition and enables adequate germicidal action. Surprisingly, adequate microbicidal effectiveness against a broad spectrum of microorganisms can thereby be achieved in a short exposure time without further active ingredients.

Abstract: Microparticles include a matrix of an encapsulating material, in which are dispersed particles of a low melting point fat and a bioactive material, such as one or more probiotic bacteria. The microparticles are formed by preparing an emulsion of melted low melting point fat in an aqueous mixture of the encapsulating material, cooling the emulsion below the melting point of the low melting point fat, dispersing the bioactive material in the emulsion and spray drying the emulsion. The particles of solid low melting point fat are believed to protect the bioactive material from heat damage during the spray drying process.

Abstract: Provided are hydrocolloid core-shell capsules including a liquid core including a non-crosslinked alginate solution and a solid or semi-solid shell including a hydrocolloid other than alginate crosslinked with metal ions, which do not crosslink alginate. Further provided is a method for the preparation of the liquid-core capsules including non-crosslinked alginate. The subject matter further provides the use of the capsules, inter alia, in the water treatment technology.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatuses and compositions for the reduction of pathogenic and/or non-pathogenic organisms in raw meat. The invention includes simultaneously manufacturing and applying to raw meat an activated chlorous agent or other biocidal composition. By simultaneously manufacturing and applying the solution feedstocks such as contaminated components or recirculated used solution that would normally not work, can be used to effectively reduce pathogens in raw meat.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a dilute antimicrobial solution to workpieces, such as raw poultry, includes a housing and a sprayer positioned to direct a first volume of dilute antimicrobial solution onto workpieces conveyed through a passage of the housing. A portion of the first volume that does not adhere to the workpieces is collected at a lower portion of the housing and passed to a recycle tank. Solution is transported between the recycle tank and sprayer and includes a supply segment to receive solution from the recycle tank, an application segment to receive the first volume from the supply segment for passage to the sprayer, and a bypass segment, separate from the application segment, to receive a second volume of the solution from the supply segment for return passage to the recycle tank without passage through the sprayer.

Abstract: To provide an agent promoting secretion and/or suppressing decrease of adiponectin, and an eating and drinking product and a feed promoting secretion and/or suppressing decrease of adiponectin. Provided are an agent promoting secretion and/or suppressing decrease of adiponectin, and a eating and drinking product and a feed promoting secretion and/or suppressing decrease of adiponectin, having as an active component a culture supernatant of Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Propionibacterium, yeast, Leuconostoc, and Lactococcus.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for development of a virulent bacteriophage-based treatment for the control of plant diseases caused by Xylella fastidiosa. The invention further provides methods of isolating and propagating bacteriophage virulent to X. fastidiosa in a Xanthomonas bacterial host and for treating or reducing symptoms of X. fastidiosa infection in a plant. The invention further provides methods of isolating and propagating bacteriophage virulent to Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri and for treating or reducing symptoms of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri infection in a plant.

Abstract: The protection of low-acid, high moisture and/or high water activity processed food products against outgrowth of Clostridium botulinum. It was surprisingly found that combinations of propionic acid and/or a salt thereof with nisin are very effective in preventing Clostridium botulinum outgrowth. In certain embodiments, cinnamic acid and/or a salt thereof can be added to these combinations to give particularly good results. These combinations provide a preservative system that is particularly effective against Clostridium botulinum outgrowth. The use of these preservative systems in food products that are conductive to Clostrisium botulinum outgrowth. The food products including these preservative systems and the methods of producing them.

Abstract: A method of filling an aluminium container with wine, and a filled aluminum container containing a wine characterized in that the maximum oxygen content of the head space is 1% v/v and the wine prior to filling is micro filtered and dissolved oxygen levels throughout the aluminium container filling process are maintained up to 0.5 mg/L and final levels of dissolved CO2 are from 50 ppm for white and sparkling wines and from 50 ppm to 400 ppm for red wines, prior to filling the container.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for processing harvested produce such as fruits and vegetables, where the sterilization, stabilization and packaging is done in such a manner that it allows for longer retention of freshness, texture, flavor and overall quality than is possible with conventional retort processes and packaging. One specific embodiment discusses sterilizing and packaging harvested produce into a bulk storage container, comprising the steps of cleaning, dicing and blanching said produce, thereby creating pre-processed produce; adding water, at least one acid or salt, and at least one carbohydrate, to said pre-processed produce to form a mixture of pre-processed produce and a liquid packing medium; processing said mixture in an ohmic processing vessel to form a sterilized mixture suitable for aseptic packaging in said container, without first packaging said mixture.

Abstract: A method for preserving Ziziphus jujuba, including: 1) preservation treatment of the Ziziphus jujuba harvested by a) fumigation and b) soaking the Ziziphus jujuba in a liquid preservative at room temperature; 2) air-drying the soaked Ziziphus jujuba and placing it into polyethylene bags, and then placing the Ziziphus jujuba into an inner atmosphere of a jacketed cold and controlled atmosphere storage warehouse and cooling it at 4° C. for 24-48 hours; and after slowly reducing the temperature of the inner atmosphere to ?3.0±0.1° C. over a period of 6 days, closing off the inner atmosphere and controlling its composition. During the cooling step, air is circulated between the inner atmosphere and the outer atmosphere of the jacketed cold and controlled atmosphere storage warehouse.

Abstract: A method for extending the use of water during the production of products for human consumption in food production facilities for an extended period of time of at least two production days and up to seven production days by delivering an initial chemical charge at the beginning of each production day to return the process water to the desired antimicrobial solution concentration to provide acceptable antimicrobial control of the process water over the extended period of time. The method providing acceptable antimicrobial control in the processing of any protein or non-protein based food products that require batch or continuous chilling as part of the production process. The length of time that the water may be used in a processing tank may be dramatically and safely increased before the processing tank is emptied for cleaning, sanitizing and refilling.

Abstract: Stable and consumable compositions are described. The stable and consumable compositions can be green tea beverages that have added acidic stabilizer, like gallic acid, to stabilize elevated levels of antioxidants such as catechins formulated in the beverage.

Abstract: A chewing gum disposal container is provided as simple, easy to use, and convenient apparatus for disposing used gum in areas where traditional methods of gum disposal are not readily available. The apparatus is provided as an envelope that forms an inner chamber. The inner chamber is utilized for receiving used chewing gum and is lined with an antimicrobial layer that reduces the transmission of infectious disease. The envelope utilizes a front section and a rear section in order to form the inner chamber. The front section provides a top flap that seals the inner chamber. Additionally the front section provides a visual identifier for distinguishing the particular apparatus.

Abstract: A method for reducing the incidence of E. coli and Salmonella in slaughtered beef or other meat during processing or post-processing by treating the meat with an effective antimicrobial solution comprising lactic acid and a water soluble anionic or zwitterionic surfactant at a pH of about 3.2 or less. Mixtures of lactic acid with citric acid and a surfactant may also be employed. Antimicrobial solutions of lactic acid and surfactant may be used in other food processing applications.

Abstract: Methods for extending the shelf life of whole and processed capsicum annuum fruit are provided herein. A method may include sanitizing a capsicum annuum fruit, drying the capsicum annuum fruit, removing a pepper stem, calyx, septum and capsaicin gland from the capsicum annuum fruit, sealing the capsicum annuum fruit in packaging, and cooling the capsicum annuum fruit to a temperature within a range of approximately 34° F. to approximately 40° F., inclusive.

Abstract: A method for introducing at least one substance into a sealed enclosure holding at least one product. At least one conduit may be provided through which one of gas or fluid may flow into or out of the sealed enclosure. Air may be evacuated from the sealed enclosure through the at least one conduit to create a predetermined pressure within the sealed enclosure and a predetermined quantity of the at least one substance may be injected into the sealed enclosure through the at least one conduit.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions are provided comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable organic acid and a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant. This synergistic combination allows compositions to be formulated at low concentrations that have efficacy in reducing bacterial counts by greater than 3 log within 5 minutes of contact while preserving the organoleptic properties of treated foods, including fresh produce. Also provided are methods for the use of the compositions to reduce the microbial load on the surfaces of foodstuffs, processed food products, and the hard surfaces of food preparation machinery, tools, benches, and the like.

Abstract: An antimicrobial intervention for the production of ground meats by treating the exterior of the meat trimmings with an antimicrobial agent before grinding. An apparatus for applying an antibacterial agent to meat trimmings includes a closed or essentially closed chamber for limiting the escape of the antimicrobial agent to the environment during antimicrobial treatment of the trimmings, an entrance system for introducing trimmings into the closed chamber while preventing or significantly limiting the antimicrobial agent from escaping into the environment, an application system for applying an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent to exposed surfaces of the trimmings in the closed chamber; and an exit system for removing the treated trimmings from the closed container while preventing or significantly limiting the escape of antimicrobial agent into the environment.

Abstract: A method for introducing at least one substance into a sealed enclosure holding at least one product. The sealed enclosure having at least one conduit through which one of gas or fluid may flow into or out of the sealed enclosure. Air is evacuated from the sealed enclosure through the at least one conduit to create a predetermined pressure within the sealed enclosure and a predetermined quantity of the at least one substance is injected into the sealed enclosure through the at least one conduit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for coordinating and balancing continuous product production, including continuous flow processes such as aseptic sterilization with package filling rate. The methods and systems include an averaging level control scheme to actively manage the balance between the continuous flow rate and the package filling rate. The methods and systems allow the flow rate to be adjusted for changes in the package filling rate, preventing a need for stoppage of the continuous product production.

Abstract: A method treating commercial produce to reduce browning and improve marketable shelf-life, the method involves submerging produce, with tissue previously wounded during processing, in a liquid at a temperature between 95 F and 103° F. for 180 seconds or less at pressures ranging between 0.5 to 3 psig, and preferably at 1.5 psig; the produce is then removed from the liquid; submersed in chilled water to cool the produce; dewatered; and packed in an oxygen-controlled package for commercial sale.

Abstract: A protein beverage composition and a method of making it relate to a beverage including a protein essentially free of caseinate and derived from an aqueous protein isolate collected from membrane-filtration isolation of the protein and without substantial drying, wherein the protein beverage composition exhibits a pH ranging from about 2.0 to about 4.6. Substantial solubility of the protein is maintained in the beverage composition, and the protein beverage is essentially free of active microbes known to be harmful to human health, both at the time of packaging of the protein beverage and for a time period of at least one year after packaging.

Abstract: A method to improve shelf life of a baked edible product includes baking dough in a sealable container that is provide with a lining of flexible material, thereby converting the dough into a baked edible product. Thereafter, a top surface of the baked edible product is covered using the flexible material and placed against a surface at baking temperature. The container may be inverted. Thereafter, the container and baked edible product is cooled in a dry and sterile atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of smoke-infusing proteinaceous foods comprises the following sequential steps: a) enclosing the proteinaceous foods in a vacuum-treating zone; b) introducing smoke directly or indirectly from a smoke generation zone into the vacuum-treating zone; c) subjecting the proteinaceous foods to vacuum purging at a negative pressure in the vacuum-treating zone, thereby infusing smoke into the proteinaceous foods; d) repeating the steps of introducing smoke directly or indirectly from the smoke generation zone into the vacuum-treating zone; subjecting the proteinaceous foods to vacuum purging at a negative pressure in the vacuum-treating zone at least fifty times in pulsed sequences of smoke introduction stage/vacuum purging stage/vacuum release stage for the efficient infusion of smoke into the proteinaceous foods; and e) a post-chill resting cycle of the smoke-infused proteinaceous foods at a suitable temperature and for a suitable period of time.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of treating whole, cut, or other processed botanical ingredient(s) in a manner that reduces the load of viable food-contaminating organisms (human or other animal pathogens and food spoilage organisms), preferably without substantially altering one or more of the organoleptic properties of the ingredient(s). The method includes subjecting a botanical foodstuff to a high pressure processing (HPP) treatment and to aseptically sealing the foodstuff within a package that contains a microbistat. Such treatments improve the storage stability of the foodstuff and preferably do not significantly alter one or more organoleptic properties of the botanical ingredient(s). Packaged foodstuffs treated as described herein exhibit beneficial properties, such as retention of taste, appearance, and texture and extended shelf life, relative to non-treated foodstuffs.

Abstract: Packaging and method for safely transporting plural individualized bananas. The bananas are individualized, the stems trimmed, and the bananas are immersed in a cleansing solution and dried. A protective sleeve extends end-to-end over the length of each banana, and plural correspondingly-sized bananas are aligned in an arched, side-by-side arrangement atop an elongate support member within a produce-preserving overwrap. The overwrap is sealed and placed into a typically rectangular container, with the ends of each banana facing downwardly and the outer curvature facing upwardly. A pad end is loosely rolled and tucked beneath the blossom ends of the bananas, the rest of the pad extending over the bananas and tucking between the stem ends of the bananas and a sidewall of the container. An upper pad is placed atop the bananas, and the container is covered and sealed. The container can also be partitioned to receive and retain additional produce items.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to beverage compositions comprising low levels of preservative, without the need for hot or aseptic packing. In particular, the present invention relates to beverage compositions comprising: (a) from about 20 ppm to about 50 ppm of a preservative selected from the group consisting of sorbic acid, alkali metal salts thereof and mixtures thereof; (b) from about 300 ppm to about 1500 ppm of a polyphosphate having the structure; where n averages from about 13 to about 35 and each M is independently selected from the group consisting of sodium and potassium; and (c) water; wherein the beverage composition has a pH of front about 2 to about 5 and a total hardness of from 60 to about 300.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of preservation of a food product comprising the step of adding 1) a first component comprising between 10 ppm and 1% of a biocidal salt of N?—(C1-C22) alkanoyl di-basic amino acid alkyl (C1-C22) ester cationic biocidal molecule with an anionic counterion, and 2) a second component comprising from 10 ppm to 1% by weight an acyl monoglyceride, directly to a food product. The preferred cationic biocidal molecule comprises N?-lauroyl-L-arginine ethyl ester (“LAE”). The invention also discloses the method of preservation of a food product using salts of a N?—(C1-C22) alkanoyl di-basic amino acid alkyl (C1-C22) ester cationic biocidal molecule and an anionic counterion with or without a monoglyceride of a fatty acid, whereby the packaging film is compounded with the salts and the optional monoglyceride of a fatty acid.

Abstract: A method of producing a liquid substantially free of beverage spoiling microorganisms, characterized in that said method comprises steps of: (a) obtaining a liquid; (b) obtaining a bioactive material that does not affect a predetermined set of organoleptic parameters of said liquid upon contact with said concentrate for a predetermined length of time; and, (c) treating said liquid with said bioactive material until the concentration of beverage-spoiling microorganism falls below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Ultraviolet light stabilized antimicrobial compositions are formed from (A) and (B). (A) is (I) a solid-state microbiocidal compound having at least one bromine atom in the molecule; (II) an aqueous solution or slurry of (I); (III) is a concentrated aqueous antimicrobial composition having a dissolved active bromine content derived from (i) BrCl or BrCl and Br2 and (ii) overbased alkali metal sulfamate and/or sulfamic acid, alkali metal base, and water, (IV) solids made by dewatering a composition of (III). (B) is a ultraviolet light degradation-inhibiting amount of up to one part by weight of ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid and/or an edible water-soluble salt/ester thereof per part by weight of bromine in the selected antimicrobial composition. Preparation and uses of such compositions are described. Methods of controlling contamination of seafood and seafood products by pathogens are also described.

Abstract: A system for protecting stored goods in a container (10), comprises a cage-like structure (20) formed by at least one pesticide treated net (22), capable of enclosing the stored goods, wherein the cage like structure (20), further comprises means for suspending the pesticide treated nets (14, 28, 30, 32, 34), and means for opening and closing the cage-like structure (26) on at least one section (24) of the at least one net (22). The system is particularly useful for the transport of tobacco, coffee, dried fruits, cocoa, nuts, tea, cereals, vegetables, spices and animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antimicrobial material in an encapsulated form, comprising (i) a core comprising an antimicrobial material and (ii) a shell of encapsulating material, wherein the shell of encapsulating material is impermeable to the antimicrobial material. The invention further provides a process for introducing an antimicrobial material into a foodstuff comprising (i) providing the antimicrobial material in an encapsulated form comprising a core of antimicrobial material and shell of encapsulating material, and (ii) introducing encapsulated antimicrobial material into or onto the foodstuff.

Abstract: A composition for use in foods, beverages and nutraceuticals that includes one or more non-sterol emulsifiers, each having an HLB value of greater than 14 and one or more sterols or stanols or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A sanitized, ready-to-use and ready-to-eat celery pack is disclosed wherein the package consists of limbs that are from 6- to 18-inches in length and weigh from 0.10 to 11.75 pounds. The limbs are prepared by removing the butt, heart and leaves from celery stalks, cut to lengths from 6 to 18-inches, sorted by length, sanitized and packaged.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention extend to sanitary systems, methods, and devices configured to package food items with an even coating of an accurate amount of sanitizing agent, such as an antimicrobial agent. In one implementation, an exemplary system comprises a combination of air nozzles, anti-bacterial spray nozzles or spray headers, metering valves, and timers to achieve uniform distribution of an antimicrobial solution into a product package, and subsequently provide a uniform distribution of the antimicrobial solution to the food item.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to beverage compositions comprising low levels of preservative, without the need for hot or aseptic packing. In particular, the present invention relates to beverage compositions comprising: (a) from about 20 ppm to about 90 ppm of a preservative selected from the group consisting of sorbic acid, benzoic acid, alkali metal salts thereof and mixtures thereof; (b) from about 300 ppm to about 3000 ppm of a polyphosphate having the structure: ?where n averages from about 3 to about 100 and each M is independently selected from the group consisting of sodium and potassium; and (c) water; wherein the beverage composition has a pH of from about 2 to about 5 and a total hardness of from 0 to about 300.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing treated meat having a predetermined proportion of water in a container. The method includes treating meat that has lost water content through evaporation with an agent capable of killing bacteria together with an amount of water, wherein the amount of water corresponds to the amount of water that is lost through evaporation. The method provides meat being treated with a bactericidal agent as well as also providing meat with the predetermined amount of water for packaging.

Abstract: A method for introducing at least one substance into a sealed enclosure holding at least one product. The sealed enclosure having at least one conduit through which one of gas or fluid may flow into or out of the sealed enclosure. Air is evacuated from the sealed enclosure through the at least one conduit to create a predetermined pressure within the sealed enclosure and a predetermined quantity of the at least one substance is injected into the sealed enclosure through the at least one conduit.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions are provided comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable organic acid and a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant. This synergistic combination allows compositions to be formulated at low concentrations that have efficacy in reducing bacterial counts by greater than 3 log within 5 minutes of contact while preserving the organoleptic properties of treated foods, including fresh produce. Also provided are methods for the use of the compositions to reduce the microbial load on the surfaces of foodstuffs, processed food products, and the hard surfaces of food preparation machinery, tools, benches, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for producing substantially stable produce, typically vegetables and fruit that can be stored in a refrigerated environment for at least about five weeks without preservatives and at least about three months with preservatives. The process involves holding the produce in an aqueous immersion solution that includes a cellular stabilizing agent for a time sufficient to convert the produce into a heat durable piece and thermally processing the heat durable produce in the immersion solution. The use of additional ingredients as components of the immersion solution such as sweeteners, acids, salt, and preservatives are optional.

Abstract: The invention provides food product particles obtainable with a method for finish-frying food product particles in superheated steam having a flow rate in the range of from 1 to 20 m/s, at a temperature in the range of from 150-250° C. and for a period of time in the range of from 1 to 5 minutes, wherein more than 75% of the surface of the food product particles is contacted with the superheated steam.

Abstract: “PROCESS FOR PRESERVATION OF ORANGES AND SIMILAR IN PLASTIC BAGS” has the purpose of preserving oranges and similar in vacuum plastic packages, keeping its physicochemical features, as flavor, aroma, color and texture, for long periods of time.

Abstract: A composition and process for improving the quality of raw food product such as seafood, meat and fowl including a treatment of a bath, rinse, ice blend, steam or spray for preparing the raw food product, such as fresh fish, meat or poultry or produce. Before the treatment is used, the raw product is cleaned in a conventional manner. The treatment composition is intended to clean, deodorize, and disinfect the raw food product. The present invention removes slime and odor from fresh fish in preparation for cooking, and further, disinfects the fish and other food product to be cooked in the event that harmful bacteria or other microbes reside on the raw fish, such as harmful microorganisms which may be a residue of polluted water from which the fish was taken, or may have originated from filthy food preparation facilities.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed of assembling a food package using an absorbent pad having an active agent that generates an atmosphere-modifying gas into the headspace after the food package is sealed, to compensate for losses of atmosphere-modifying gases injected in the food package prior to sealing. The methods of assembly reduce the headspace requirements and overall dimensions of the food package. The methods further prevent or reduce collapse of the food package or having the lid film contact the food product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing treated meat having a predetermined proportion of water in a container. The method includes treating meat that has lost water content through evaporation with an agent capable of killing bacteria together with an amount of water, wherein the amount of water corresponds to the amount of water that is lost through evaporation. The method provides meat being treated with a bactericidal agent as well as also providing meat with the predetermined amount of water for packaging.

Abstract: Systems and methods for antimicrobial injection in a web packaging pasteurization system are provided. A pressurized mixture of pasteurizing medium and at least one antimicrobial agent is applied to the surfaces of a food product. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one microbial agent is injected into and thereby mixed with the pressurized supply of pasteurizing steam prior to its discharge into a pressurized chamber and application to the food surfaces. Preferably, the mixture is introduced into the pressurized chamber at an inflow rate and vented from the chamber at an outflow rate that is slower than the inflow rate such that the pressure in the chamber increases to increase the temperature of the mixture to an effective temperature for killing bacteria.

Abstract: Food packaging with absorbent food pads having one or more active agents therein is disclosed. Arrangements of absorbent structures and active agents in the absorbent food pads are provided.

Abstract: Device for conditioning water produced by environmental conditioning or dehumidification apparatuses or plants, comprising a device (2) for measuring the quantity of water produced by a condenser (1) which transforms atmospheric humidity into water, a feeder (4) of a corrective composition of salts and mineral substances, preferably in the form of tablets (P), for dispensing at least one of them in proportion to the quantity of water measured, a mixing vessel (5) receiving the measured water and at least a tablet (P) provided by the feeder (4), a control and command unit (6) that activates the feeder (4) in proportion to the quantity of water measured and received, and a tank (7) for collecting and filtering the water provided with means (70) for filtering micro-organisms and bacteria and a valve (81) for the exit of potable water.