Abstract: A flexible multilayer film tube has an inner layer comprising a blend of thermoplastic polymer and starch particles in protruding relationship with the inside surface which, after oxidation, develops improved meat adhesion during in situ cooking.

Abstract: A packaging bag, in particular for cooked ham, made of thermoweldable material and provided, on at least one of its walls, with a drainage hole. The inside of the bag also includes a drainage valve secured at the wall of the bag. The drainage valve comprises a disc of a plastic material, and is provided with a plurality of radial, spaced ribs projecting from its surface. The ribs face the internal surface of the wall of the bag, and the wall is secured to the ribs by thermowelding. The center zone of the disc will match with the center zone of the drainage hole.

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: A method of killing insect larvae in larvae-infected fruit is disclosed, which comprises shrinkwrapping individual fruit from a geographical area infested with an insect known to infect the fruit for a time sufficient to kill larvae of the insect, wherein no treatment of the fruit to kill the insect or the insect larvae occurs between picking and shrinkwrapping the fruit. Shrinkwrapped fruit prepared by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical fluid-filled plastic container which includes (a) a sealed inner envelope of plastic material filled with a medical fluid containing a component subject to deterioration by oxygen, (b) a deoxidizer, and (c) a sealed outer envelope of plastic material enclosing both the medical fluid-filled inner envelope and the deoxidizer, as well as several methods of making such a medical fluid-filled plastic container. This medical fluid-filled plastic container will prevent the medical fluid therein from being deteriorated even if it is subjected to steam sterilization or is stored for a long period of time.

Abstract: Parboil or raw "skinless" sausages are prepared using a reusable tubular casing formed from a lipophilic, relatively nonpolar material in a process wherein the casing is filled with uncoagulated sausage material containing protein and fat (lipids) and initially heated to a relatively high temperature for a short period of time (e.g. about 175.degree.-250.degree. C. for 2-3 minutes) to preferentially coagulate only the protein material immediately adjacent the casing to form a relatively thin (e.g. less than about 1 mm) cohesive, "skin-like" layer. The sausage is then removed, such as by ejection, for further processing, such as smoking, drying, reddening and final coagulation with the "skin-like" layer providing sufficient support for the subsequent processing of the substantially uncoagulated ejected sausage material, and the casing is simply rinsed and refilled.

Abstract: A process for producing retort boiled rice by charging raw rice and water into a container, adjusting the quantity of oxygen in the head space of the container to from 4-12 ml/100 g of raw rice, sealing the container and then boiling and sterilizing the rice.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sterilization process for vacuum-packaged raw meat, comprising vacuum-packaging, ultraviolet sterilization and heat shrinkage in sequence.The present invention provides an apparatus comprising an ultraviolet sterilization apparatus and an apparatus for shrinking film packaging material as an embodiment; sterilization effect obtained by means of the apparatus is great and bacteria as well as mold are sterilized. The packaged product does not change color or smell so that it does not lose its value as merchandise. No deterioration about the product could be found.

Abstract: A meat product having the flavor, aroma and texture of a common frankfurter fabricated as a patty for easier cooking and use. A process for fabricating the meat product where molds are filled with the meat product for producing the desired shape while maintaining the skin tension appreciated in a common frankfurter. The molds are flexible and a multiplicity of the molds may be placed over a nozzle through which the meat product is extruded.

Abstract: A procedure for the production of a cooked ham in which the meat is injected with a brine placed in a bag with a drainage valve which allows for drainage during heating. The valve is sterilized and sealed after heating.

Abstract: A method of providing oxygen barrier properties to a retorted container is described. A retort container is filled with a product sensitive to spoilage from oxygen contact, such as certain food. The filled container is heat sealed closed, retorted, and then enclosed with a oxygen barrier material.

Abstract: A method of preparing popcorn in a flexible, generally tubular, three-surface, single-pleated, microwave-penetrable package. Two transverse seals and one lengthwise-extending seam seal the package. Venting means releases accumulated steam produced by the popping corn and the package maintains its expanded structure even after venting has commenced. A convenient means of opening the package is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tray having a floor, walls attached thereto, said walls having a rim distal to the floor, said tray having food placed therein and an amorphous polyester, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate, a partially crystalline polyester, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate, or amorphous nylon film stretched across the rim and extending down the outer portion of the wall adjacent to the rim in a vacuum-induced thermally-set crimp. The polyester or nylon may optionally be blended with a compatibilized polyolefin.

Abstract: A zippered cook-in-bag pouch and method wherein the pouch and a profiled extruded plastic zipper structure at the mouth of the pouch body are formed from material which will withstand substantially without deterioration maximum cooking heat to which contents within the pouch may be subjected when cooking the contents. A set hot melt adhesive between the profiles bonds the profiles tenaciously against separation at room temperature. The adhesive is sufficiently softenable at a temperature substantially above room temperature but near the cooking temperature, for releasing the profiles for opening the pouch body. The adhesive is settable to a non-tacky state in respect to the separated profiles when the adhesive temperature drops below the softenable temperature of the adhesive so that the zipper can then be reclosed and opened at will without adhesive interference.

Abstract: A cooked meat product is prepared using a tube of multilayer film comprising at least three layers including an inner layer with an inner surface, the latter comprising EVA with starch particles dispersed across the inner surface and integral therewith, the starch particle-containing EVA layer being irradiated. Uncooked meat is stuffed in the tube and during cooking the meat outer surface adheres to the tube inner surface.

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: A heating system for heating food provides a heated forced air source and a food package including an air circulating bag for convection heating of the food. The food package can include an interior food storage pouch which is not exposed to direct impingement by the circulating air preventing cooking oils or smoke from the mixing with the circulating air flow.

Abstract: A process or method for packaging an edible food product, particularly one having at least one bag puncturing surface such as a sharp protrusion, for cushioning the bag puncturing surface during packaging and shipping. The process includes the steps of selectively applying a foamed composition to the bag puncturing surface of the product to be packaged and encasing the product in an outer package or bag. The foamed material can be applied in liquid or semiliquid form at a point-of contact temperature less than about 130.degree. F. and solidifies substantially on contact. The foamed material contains a chemical substrate which includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate and mixtures thereof having a molecular weight between about 1,800 and 25,000 molecular weight units, a resin and a stabilizer. A suitable gas is encapsulated within the chemical substrate. The process has particular utility in the meat-packing industry.

Abstract: Raw meat for ham, roast pork and sausage is wound or wrapped with member in the form of string or net made of thermoplastic resin such as polyvinylidene chloride which has been processed to possess heat contraction property. In heating process of the meat such as boiling or smoking, the string or netlike member contracts by heating to strongly fasten the heated meat so that the form of the processed meat is arranged.

Abstract: In order to reduce splitting in a perforated, heat shrinkable, thermoplastic bags made from seamless tubing, rather than employ needle punched perforations, it has been discovered that slits cut by a knife blade will surprisingly reduce the splitting when a product, such as a meat product, is cooked within the bag.

Abstract: A method for coloring raw meat wherein the raw meat muscle surface or meat skin is coated with a coloring solution. The coloring solution contains liquid smoke and caramel. The colored meat is then packaged and cooked.

Abstract: A method of producing retort food comprises the steps of subjecting broiled fish to hot-water processing in hot water at a temperature of 65.degree. to 98.degree. C. for 10 to 150 seconds; enclosing the resulting broiled fish in a packaging container in a sealing manner; and subjecting the broiled fish to retort sterilization processing. According to the method, there is provided a retort food comprising broiled fish capable of minimizing the generation of drips from broiled fish at the time of retort sterilization processing and maintaining a good appearance.

Abstract: A rolled pouch cooking package (10) and cooking method are disclosed. The cooking package (11) includes a flexible pouch which completely encloses a food item to be heated. The pouch (10) and food item (12) are capable of being bent between a flat configuration and a rolled or coiled configuration. The cooking package (11) also includes an elastic band (18) or other retaining means which holds the pouch (11) and food item (12) in the rolled configuration. The pouch (10) is preferably made of a plastic material and has at least one slit (17) at its upper end. A method for heating a food item is also described, comprising the steps of: placing the food item (12) against a horizontal surface while the food is completely enclosed in a flexible pouch (10); coiling the food item (12) and pouch (10) so as to place them in a crown shape or rolled configuration attaching retaining means (18) to the pouch (10); and heating the food item in an oven.

Abstract: A coextruded, heat shrinkable, thermoplastic multilayer film for packaging fresh red meat cuts and processed meats. The film comprises a first layer comprising very low density polyethylene, a first core layer of vinylidene chloride-methyl acrylate copolymer, and a second layer comprising very low density polyethylene. In another embodiment the first layer is a second core layer confined between said first core layer and a first outer layer comprising a heat sealable thermoplastic polymer or copolymer. In a further embodiment the second layer is a second core layer confined between said first core layer and a second outer layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer or copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container containing broiled fish in which the generation of drips from the fish and softening of the tissues thereof are prevented during a heat sterilizing treatment, and which has excellent qualities with respect to appearance and taste. The invention provides a container containing broiled fish, which comprises hermetically packaging in a container broiled fish which is obtained by broiling dried fish, then subjecting the container to a heat sterilizing treatment.

Abstract: The heating of food from a chilled or frozen state to provide a prepared meal is becoming increasingly useful in the catering field, and to facilitate such preparation a heatpack base sheet for use in making a pouch forming a virtually enclosed pack containing a prepared meal is provided, whose form facilitates the necessary heating of the meal in a favourable manner enabling a hot meal to be conveniently served in a time-saving manner on a warm plate, without time being taken up in disposing the ingredients attractively, or in removing the browned oute ring often formed when a microwave oven is used for appropriate heatings. The proposed base sheet may be of electrically non-conductive synthetic resin, if intended for use in a microwave oven, or may be of conductive foil if the meal is to be defrosted in a thermally-heated oven.

Abstract: A method of preparing vegetables for marketing which involves the steps of:(a) vacuum conditioning of the comestible in its raw state in plastic pouches, i.e. a vacuum packing thereof;(b) a first pasteurization at a temperature ranging from above 85.degree. C. and up to 95.degree. C.;(c) a bacterial development or incubation treatment for a period of 24 to 27 hours at a temperature comprised between 25.degree. and 30.degree. C.;(d) a second pasteurization for 20 to 40 minutes at a temperature comprised between 85.degree. and 93.degree. C.; and(e) refrigeration of the packaged product.The method is especially applicable to fruits and vegetables which are sensitive to heat and, particularly, onions, leeks, garlic, shallots and the like.

Abstract: A method for cooking meat in a bag wherein a cling film is vacuum sealed and shrunk around the meat, said cling film having a cavity for forming the meat. Next, the cling film is surrounded by an outer film which is vacuum sealed and shrunk around the cling film. The outer film has a softening point above the cooking temperature of the meat. The meat is then heated in the bag to the cooking temperature of the meat. It is found that when this invention is employed that there is minimum purge formed in the bagged cooked product.

Abstract: An apparatus for and process of pasteurizing or sterilizing and subsequent cooling of edible foodstuffs in containers. The containers are relatively thin-walled and are fabricated from plastic. At least one of the containers is provided with an internal probe which monitors the pressure and temperature at its substantially geometric center. The pressure within a chamber of the apparatus, within which pasteurization or sterilization is to be effected, is also monitored. A comparator compares the pressures within the chamber and the container having the probe therein to develop a control signal representative of the pressure difference. A controller is arranged to respond to the control signal to maintain a predetermined pressure relationship while heating and subsequently cooling the foodstuffs. The pressure difference which is maintained may be zero, or be slightly above or below zero.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a flexible container device which forms a sterile system comprising a pouch-shaped container and a hose shaped connector. The container is characterized in that it comprises a tear-away first cover layer, for instance a tape, arranged over at least one sterile point of connection of at least one of said hose shaped connectors. The connecting end of the hose has a second cover layer placed over a sterile device for mounting the hose onto the container. An external grip device is arranged from the other end of the hose and is operatively connected to a puncturing device inside the hose which puncturing device punctures the container after the hose has been mounted thereon, thereby maintaining the system in a generally sterile condition. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing said device.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically making food products in piece form, such as loaves of bread, from dough-like substances, comprises a housing having holding drums (230,232) adapted to be fixed to either end of a flexible sealable bag (12) containing the ingredients. A dough preparation and baking chamber (212) has upper and lower slit openings (220,222). The bag is moved to and fro through the slit openings to perform kneading of the dough, and then baked in the chamber. The variable baking parameters dependent upon the particular ingredients and product are controlled dependent upon instructions read from the bag by a scanner (270). The instructions comprise a bar code (121) which can have a first identification portion to confirm that the bag is suitable for use in the apparatus and a second command portion to instruct the apparatus as to the baking sequence required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retort vessel containing fish which is excellent in quality and impact resistance strength. The vessel containing broiled fish of the present invention comprises broiled fish the meat of which has a hardness of 85 g to 1500 g and a retort vessel made of a flexible material in which said broiled fish is received, said broiled fish being vacuum-packaged so that air content becomes 25% or less and then subjected to retort sterilization processing.

Abstract: A process for accelerating the proofing of chemically leavened dough when the ambient temperature is below 70.degree. F. by heating the dough in a proofing tunnel until the average dough temperature is about 80.degree.-90.degree. F., allowing the dough to develop about 10 psi pressure, and refrigerating the dough in a sealed container so that the internal pressure reaches about 20 psi. A modification using palm oil encapsulated glucono-delta-lactone acidulant and sodium bicarbonate as the chemical leavening system allows the dough to be refrigerated immediately after it leaves the proofing tunnel and still develop 20 psi internal pressure in the dough container.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for continuously manufacturing individually wrapped, single slice, firm bodied meat products formed of a viscous heat settable non-syneresing meat emulsion which contains a heat-settable starch.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for grinding soybeans by grinding soaked soybeans together with a predetermined amount of water to obtain a soybean slurry which method comprises grinding the soaked soybeans in the presence of 10 to 30% by volume of air relative to the total weight of the soaked soybeans and the water, and also to a method for producing retort or aseptic packed tofu using the soybean milk obtained by the method of grinding.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a packaged, aseptic hard soybean curd having high protein content and fine texture increased in hardness with keeping good taste which includes the first step of warming a soybean juice, adding 1-4% by weight of a soy protein isolate having a high coagulation ability, subjecting the soybean juice to a homogenizing treatment and sterilizing the soybean juice by direct steam heating method and the second step of continuously adding to thus obtained sterilized high protein soybean juice a germ-free coagulant solution at a constant rate in a pipe line and homogeneously mixing them, filling the mixture in a container in an aseptic atmosphere, sealing the container and heating it to coagulate the mixture. Thus obtained soybean curd has a hardness of at least 130 measured by a curd tension meter.

Abstract: Low acid heat-sensitive foodstuffs, such as low acid heat-sensitive vegetables and cereal grain products, are thermally processed in the presence of a mixture of an acid and its lactones, preferably an aldonic acid with its lactones, the acid of which makes possible a considerably reduced commercial sterilizing parameter whereby more of the flavor, color, or texture of the foodstuff is retained, and is closer to that of the freshly harvested home-cooked product, compared to the foodstuff processed at a more severe parameter when the acid is not employed. The type and level of the acid employed and its presence with its lactones results in a thermally processed foodstuff which does not have an objectionable acid taste. The preferred mixture is gluconic acid with its lactones, glucono-delta lactone and glucono-gamma lactone, provided to the foodstuff by combining it with a precursor of gluconic acid, preferably glucono-delta lactone.

Abstract: A meat product package comprising an enclosing multilayer film having an inner layer and an insitu aqueous medium-cooked meat product in adhering relation to the inner layer inner surface, the latter comprising EVA with starch particles dispersed across the inner surface and integral therewith, the starch particle-containing EVA layer being irradiated.

Abstract: A cooked meat product suitable for shredding and a method for preparing such. Meat is denuded of external fat and connective tissue and injected with a water and salt solution. The meat is then diced and added to a cooking pouch containing pre-mixed liquid-state fat, spices/seasonings and starch. The product is cooked in a water tank via a step process reaching a final product temperature of approximately 200.degree. F. at which point the product may be shredded prior to chilling and storage at 40.degree. F.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a sausage type food product. It comprises an initial phase in which a tubular envelope, more particularly a natural or artificial casing, is filled with edible contents, more particularly a minced meat based composition, and a final phase in which one or more treatments are performed, more particularly steaming, drying, smoking or cooking, and before the final phase the edible contents are formed into a ring which is closed on itself.

Abstract: According to a method of processing fish based on the present invention, a cloth is placed on a scrolling bamboo sheet, on which sliced pieces of fish are placed uniformly in several layers. The scrolling bamboo sheet is then rolled up with the sliced pieces contained inside. After completion of rolling, caps are pushed into and fixed onto both ends of the bamboo sheet, then the assembly of the bamboo sheet and the sliced pieces of fish are heated.

Abstract: This invention provides a packed semi-prepared dough for baked confectionery having good taste and pleasing texture, which can be easily prepared in households without special skill and can be stored over long periods.The semi-prepared dough is prepared by charging a dough having a dough hardness of 18 to 470 BU into a heat-resistant packaging container and then preliminary heat-treating it after the container is sealed.

Abstract: Multiple layer nonoriented heat sealable films are disclosed having a base substrate layer of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (polyester) or polyester copolymer and at least one heat sealable surface layer of a copolyester. The films are prepared by conventional cast or blown film coextrusion techniques.

Abstract: A process for preserving fresh fruit or vegetable products comprises the steps of; heating the fruit or vegetable product rapidly and uniformly to a temperature sufficient to destroy the natural enzymes which are present in the product without cooking the product, and immediately thereafter, cooling said product rapidly to a cold condition to remove the enzyme destroying heat before any significant cooking of the product can occur and to cool the product to a temperature which will inhibit deterioration of the freshness thereof. Shortly thereafter, while the product remains in said cold condition, it is placed in a sealed gas-type package.

Abstract: A container assembly used for the storage of food products plus additives such as spices, etc. therefor, wherein the additives are stored in segregated relation to one another and the food product. The container assembly is designed for the storage of the food product such as by freezing and also for the cooking of the food product in a manner which facilitates the automatic and selective mixing of the additives with the food product wherein the food product and additives may be stored for prolonged periods prior to cooking and user of the device need not come into direct contact with the food product until it is ready for consumption.

Abstract: This invention provides a packaging material comprising a metallic foil and at least one heat-shrinkable film of synthetic resin disposed on at least one surface of the metallic foil, the film being superposed on the metallic foil and comprising superposed portions bonded to the metallic foil and superposed portions to be heat-shrunk and not bonded to the metallic foil, and the portions to be heat-shrunk of the film being shrunk by application of heat and also provides a sealing cap made of the packaging material suitable for sealing the capped mouths of bottles for wine, champagne or the like.

Abstract: Low acid heat-sensitive foodstuffs, such as low acid heat-sensitive vegetables and cereal grain products, are thermally processed in the presence of a mixture of an acid and its lactones, preferably an aldonic acid with its lactones, the acid of which makes possible a considerably reduced commercial sterilizing parameter whereby more of the flavor, color, or texture of the foodstuff is retained, and is closer to that of the freshly harvested home-cooked product, compared to the foodstuff processed at a more severe parameter when the acid is not employed. The type and level of the acid employed and its presence with its lactones results in a thermally processed foodstuff which does not have an objectionable acid taste. The preferred mixture is gluconic acid with its lactones, glucono-delta lactone and glucono-gamma lactone, provided to the foodstuff by combining it with a precursor of gluconic acid, preferably glucono-delta lactone.

Abstract: A dried puree of a starchy material, preferably the yam, in the form of flakes is compacted under a pressure of from 50 to 120 bars and then reduced to granules having a bulk density of from 0.40 to 0.65 kg/l. The granules may be placed in a water-permeable bag which may be filled to 45 to 80% of its volume with the starchy material. In the case of the yam, the dry matter content of the reconstituted material is on the order of 30 to 36%.

Abstract: An al dente pasta product having storage stability is produced by partially cooking freshly extruded pasta with steam or boiling water. Measured amounts of the partially cooked pasta are sealed in a container with measured amounts of water sufficient to complete hydration to 65% to 75% moisture and measured amounts of a food grade acid sufficient to reduce the pH to 4.6 or less. The sealed containers may be commercially sterilized under moderate thermal processing conditions. In a specific embodiment, the containers contain pasta in a carbon dioxide atmosphere.

Abstract: Precooked food products, especially meat products, which have been unpackaged and further processed, are repackaged in a heat tolerant structure and exposed to temperatures of between about 160.degree. F. and 205.degree. F. for 30 seconds to 10 minutes, time and temperature depending on the particular product. This post pasteurization treatment extends the shelf life of the product.