Abstract: Methods for producing meat products with a bone flavour, and the meat products so produced, are provided. In exemplary methods a cured bone is secured with a binding to a de-boned and cured leg of meat, such as a leg of ham. The bone can be the one removed from the de-boned leg, or can be a substitute bone. The de-boned leg and the bone can be cured together or cured separately with the same or different cures prior to being secured together. An exemplary meat product comprises a de-boned leg of ham having an exterior, a bone positioned against the exterior, and a binding that secures the bone to the exterior of the leg of ham.

Abstract: The present invention provides for improved pork products for human consumption and methods of producing such pork products by incorporating healthy lipids containing stearidonic acid into swine feed products. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for producing said products. In one embodiment of the invention, an animal may be fed feed comprising a transgenic plant product. In other embodiments of the invention, pork meat products for human consumption, such meat products comprising SDA, EPA, and DHA are disclosed. In further embodiments of the invention, pork products comprising novel fatty acid profiles are disclosed.

Abstract: A steak product is made by cutting a piece of meat which is initially generally in the shape of a parallelepiped along four generally curved first cut lines extending generally parallel to the grain of the meat to remove four corners of the meat and create a meat portion which is cylindrically shaped. The cylindrically shaped meat portion is cut along each of a plurality of parallel second cut lines each generally perpendicular to the grain of the meat and spaced from each other by a first predetermined distance to create a plurality of disk-like generally cylindrical meat portions each having a thickness corresponding to the first predetermined distance and each having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the cylindrically shaped meat portion.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a meat product, including a cut cut of meat and a seasoning and cure solution. The cut of meat having muscle fibers oriented in a substantially uniform direction. The cut of meat being sliced across the grain of the muscle fibers and the seasoning and cure solution being applied to the cut of meat.

Abstract: A calcium fortified creamed honey product. An effective amount of calcium mineral having a mean particle size of about 30 nanometers to about 10 microns is added to the honey to provide not only calcium fortification but also to provide creamed honey with a smooth texture for enhanced spreadability.

Abstract: A process for elaborating a casing-less sausage- or similar-type food product, the process comprises the steps consisting in preparing an emulsion-type sausage paste having a gel-like viscosity; extruding the sausage paste into portions of a predetermined shape, which maintain said shape and which have at least one essentially flat surface; cooking the upper and lower surfaces of the said portions in order to form a skin that is obtained by applying heat to the external sausage paste of said portions, thereby leaving a core which is surrounded by the skin and which consists of the sausage paste that was not used to form the skin; performing a second cooking step in order to cook the cores, thereby forming sausage-type food products; and finally cooling the sausage-type food products prior to packing.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for manufacturing a cooked meat product, in particular a cooked meat product with an increased shelf-life stability and an increased resistance against the growth of bacteria, in particular Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridia, and spoilage bacteria such as Lactobacilli. The invention also pertains to a composition useful in such a process, to the use of certain materials in such a process, and to the meat products obtainable thereby. The process according to the invention comprises combining an uncooked meat product with an organic acid salt and a latent acid, followed by cooking the meat product, the latent acid being a compound which does not show acidic properties when it is added to the uncooked meat product, but which is converted to a carboxylic acid with at least 3 carbon atoms under the conditions prevailing during the cooking of the meat product, the organic acid salt being selected from lactate salts, acetate salts, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Glucosamine salts and derivatives are effective for the improvement of blood flow, and hence, for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases caused by blood flow disturbances, such as thrombosis. Use of glucosamine salts or glucosamine derivatives as active ingredients can provide blood flow improvers, thrombosis preventives or remedies, and dietetic drinks or foods for the improvement of blood flow or for the prevention and/or treatment of thrombosis. Administration of glucosamine salts or glucosamine derivatives can improve blood flow and can prevent and/or treat thrombosis.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for separating and extracting biological products of avian origin. The method allows for the production of avian cartilages and of active ingredients which can be extracted from the cartilages thus obtained.

Abstract: Animal hide is cleaned, infused with flavors and colors and then cut and dried to produce dental chew chips. Each dental chew chip has a preselected geometric shape and, optionally, a plurality of inner cuts arranged to provide dental treatment to a dog's teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a boned pork product includes a searing oven at a high temperature cooking station for braising and charring the boned pork product using radiant heat. The apparatus also includes a dual box, spiral steam cooker at a low temperature cooking station for cooking the boned pork product using steam to yield a fully-cooked, boned pork product. The apparatus further includes a freezer at a freezer station for freezing the fully-cooked, boned pork product. A first conveyor belt is disposed between the searing oven and the steam cooker and serves to mechanically transport the boned pork product from the high temperature cooking station to the low temperature cooking station. A second conveyor belt is disposed between the steam cooker and the freezer and serves to mechanically transport the fully-cooked, boned pork product from said low temperature cooking station to said freezer station.

Abstract: A protein purified from bovine colostral whey and isolated nucleotide sequences encoding the protein is identified. The isolated bovine protein is termed Bovine Lactation Associated Immunotropic (Bo-LAIT) protein. The human homologue of Bo-LAIT protein, Hu-LAIT protein, is also described. A method of activating B cells, and particularly of activating B cells in a mammal, such as a human, in need of such activation by administering LAIT protein is described. LAIT protein can be incorporated into infant formula. LAIT protein can be administered to an infant, as by feeding to the infant such formula. LAIT protein can be incorporated as part of a vaccination, LAIT protein can be administered to a patient having a T cell immune deficiency, for example, a particular T cell dysfunction in which gp39 (CD40L) is under expressed on or totally absent from the cell surface of patient T cells. Preparation of medicaments including LAIT protein for activating B cells in a mammal in need of such activation is described.

Abstract: Methods of curing and processing pork bellies into fully-cooked bacon have been developed that eliminates both injecting the whole pork belly with pickle solution and smokehouse treatment thereafter. The method of the present invention immerses individual pork slices into a pickle solution sufficient for each slice to absorb 110%-120% of green weight and employs a single heating step that fully-cooks the slices to achieve the necessary weight reduction to meet the regulatory product definition for cooked bacon.

Abstract: A process for producing dried meat is disclosed. First, a raw meat is sliced into a sliced meat having a thickness less than 1 cm. Then, the sliced meat is allowed to release salt soluble protein in an amount of 1.5 to 5.5 wt % of the total weight of the sliced meat. Then, the sliced meat is reformed into a reformed meat loaf. Finally, the reformed meat loaf is frozen, sliced, dried, and baked to obtain a reformed dried meat. The manual cost can be effectively saved and the chance of pollution can be reduced. Also, the obtained reformed dried meat has fibrous properties, and the appearance and eating quality are very close to those of the dried meat product obtained from conventional processes.

Abstract: A method of producing a seasoned precooked meat product, such as bacon, wherein the meat product is sized or sliced into individual unconnected units and thereafter heated to cook the individual units and thereby generate hot grease. A seasoning from a familiar grouping is then applied to the cooked meat product units so that it commingles with the hot grease and binds to the meat product units to provide an intense unique flavor commensurate with the meat seasoning with little negative visual impact. The flavored meat product units are then packaged, preferably in separated layers, within bags containing inert gases and thereafter rapidly frozen and stored.

Abstract: A boneless meat product and method for making such product, including hams and other boneless meat, the meat being spirally sliced around an axis through the meat. The axis is created by the insertion of a temporary support member through the meat. The meat is mounted in meat slicing apparatus which rotates the meat. A slicer blade is introduced into the meat in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation while the meat is rotating. The slicer blade is then indexed linearly along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the meat, thereby effecting a spiral cut in the meat. The meat is removed from the apparatus following slicing operations and the support member removed from the meat.

Abstract: A high-pressure processing method which can produce fish meat and/or a kneaded fish meat products having improved sterilizability, texture and taste by a treatment at a relatively low pressure range is provided. A low-temperature and high-pressure processing method for fish meat and/or kneaded fish meat products which performs high-pressure treatment at low temperature of a frozen preparation of fish meat and/or a kneaded fish meat product obtained by freezing fish meat and/or a kneaded fish meat product after dehydration treatment or without dehydration treatment thereof while maintaining it in a frozen state is provided. Since fish meat and/or kneaded fish meat products which is sufficiently sterilized, has good storability, and has favorable texture can be obtained by the above method even when subjected to high-pressure treatment at a relatively low pressure range, the method is useful in the field of fish meat and/or kneaded fish meat products.

Abstract: A bacon trimmer for trimming cooked bacon slices into substantially uniform lengths comprises: a housing, a transfer comb mounted on the housing, a device mounted on said housing for transferring the cooked bacon slices from a continuous conveyor belt carrying the cooked bacon slices from a cooking device to a first end of said transfer comb, a device for moving the cooked bacon slices across the transfer comb to a second end of the transfer comb and feeding the cooked bacon slices to the same continuous conveyor belt adjacent the second end of said transfer comb, a cutter associated with the housing for trimming the bacon slices into substantially uniform lengths as they are transferred across the transfer comb.

Abstract: A pH increasing material is placed in contact with the surface of an initial comminuted meat product. This contact with the pH increasing material increases the pH of the initial meat product to produce an intermediate meat product. The method also includes the step of removing the pH increasing material and applying mechanical action to the intermediate, pH increased meat product. The method may also include placing a pH lowering gas at a neutralizing pressure in contact with the surface of the intermediate meat product to decrease the pH of the meat product.

Abstract: A method for preserving meat and the meat processed thereby is disclosed. The method includes the steps of exposing raw meat to an atmosphere consisting essentially of carbon monoxide and maintaining the meat in a sealed container to maintain color and freshness while retarding bacterial growth.

Abstract: Bacon chips, bacon patties and bacon pizza topping products are provided from meat sources which include ends and pieces of cured bacon bellies which are bound together by an uncooked meat trimmings binder which has the brine flavor of the bacon ends and pieces and which is preferably porcine. These coarsely ground meat components are shaped and placed into condition for slicing. When sliced to between about 12 and about 16 slices per inch and suitably cooked to a cooking yield of about 25 to about 30 weight percent, cooked bacon chips are provided. When sliced to about 6 to about 10 slices per inch and cooked to a suitable cook yield of between about 35 weight percent and less than about 40 weight percent, bacon patties are provided.

Abstract: Methods of curing and processing pork bellies into par-cooked bacon have been developed that eliminates smokehouse treatment. The method of the present invention employs a single heating step that both par-cooks a pork belly injected with pickle solution and achieves the necessary weight reduction to meet the regulatory product definition for par-cooked bacon.

Abstract: A process for producing a bone-in ham steak made by separating the muscle, fat, and femur bone from a green ham, processing the muscle and fat to form an aggregation of cured muscle, fat, and bone and cooking the aggregate under vacuum. The cooked meat product is chilled, removed from the film package, and, thereafter, smoked to a golden color. It is then sliced transversely into a plurality of bone-in ham steaks having uniform sizes, shapes, and weights.

Abstract: An uncooked meat portion that has shape-retaining and non-agglomeration properties is formed by subjecting the meat product to a process that causes controlled migration of soluble protein to the surface of nugget portions for positive internal binding characteristics, and subsequently heating the portions to a sufficient level to denature the surface proteins thereby encapsulating each portion in a thin-layer that will not stick to other encapsulated portions and that will enable each uncooked portion to retain it shape during handling.

Abstract: The invention provides a ham and water product that is flavored with jalapeno peppers and a method of making a jalapeno flavored ham and water product. In a preferred embodiment, a ham is injected with a pickle solution, processed to increase surface ratio, and treated with a buffered jalapeno composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for precooking sliced bacon comprising the steps of partially cooking sliced bacon in a microwave oven. A organoleptic enhancing liquid is applied to the surfaces of bacon slices either during or after the cooking and the cooking is then completed by heating the partially cooked sliced bacon in a browning oven. Alternatively, the sliced bacon is first treated with the organoleptic enhancing liquid and partially cooked in the browning oven, then cooking is completed in the microwave oven.

Abstract: An uncooked meat portion that has shape-retaining and non-agglomeration properties is formed by subjecting the meat product to a process that causes controlled migration of soluble protein to the surface of nugget portions for positive internal binding characteristics, and subsequently heating the portions to a sufficient level to denature the surface proteins thereby encapsulating each portion in a thin-layer that will not stick to other encapsulated portions and that will enable each uncooked portion to retain it shape during handling.

Abstract: An inline macerating method and apparatus for treating pieces of meat with a liquid wherein the pieces of meat are first injected with the liquid and then drawn by suction through a duct in which the piece of meat is incised by cutting edges extending into the path of the pieces of meat as they traverse the duct. The pieces of meat then pass into a paddle massager or tumbler in which the liquid is massaged into the tissue.

Abstract: An uncooked meat portion that has shape-retaining and non-agglomeration properties is formed by subjecting the meat product to a process that causes controlled migration of soluble protein to the surface of nugget portions for positive internal binding characteristics, and subsequently heating the portions to a sufficient level to denature the surface proteins thereby encapsulating each portion in a thin-layer that will not stick to other encapsulated portions and that will enable each uncooked portion to retain it shape during handling.

Abstract: A method of producing a crisp surface and imparting a uniform golden-brown color to a precooked whole muscle meat product by coating at least a portion of the surface of a precooked whole muscle meat product with a browning liquid pyrolysis product. The coated surface is then exposed to an energy source that selectively heats the coated surface of the whole muscle meat product at a temperature and for a time sufficient to develop a golden-brown color on the exposed surface, without substantially shrinking the precooked whole muscle meat product.

Abstract: Processed meat is prepared by impregnating raw meat with a solution of a salt and a solution of an alkali in a concentration of 1.0 mole to 7.0 mole or a solution containing the salt and the alkali or by physically applying external force to the meat in the salt solution and in the alkali solution in a concentration of 0.1 mole to 4.0 mole or in a solution containing the salt and the alkali or while injecting the meat with the salt solution and in the alkali solution in a concentration of 0.1 mole to 4.0 mole or in a solution containing the salt and the alkali.

Abstract: Accordingly, a method is provided for concentrating precursors to vertebrate connective tissue in foodstuffs to be ingested by humans and pets as part of their daily sustenance. The present method comprises the following steps: (a) providing raw vertebrate connective tissue; (b) disintegrating the raw vertebrate connective tissue into an aggregation of particles having a substantially homogenous particle size, preferably via an emulsification process, thereby forming liquefied connective tissue; and (c) thermally processing the liquefied connective tissue, resulting in a readily-edible foodstuff rich in chondroitin sulfates, glucosamine, and other connective tissue building blocks.

Abstract: Fat free meat products are provided which incorporate whole muscle components that are selectively and precisely separated from larger whole muscle groups, such as hams. The whole muscle components have a weight percent fat of not greater than 1.5, usually less. A brine composition is also incorporated. The fat free meat products have a fat percentage of about 0.9 weight percent or below. Typically, the fat free meat also includes finely textured reduced fat meat such as that processed by grinding and centrifuging. Residual trim cuts formed during subdivision of the whole muscle groups are greatly reduced in fat content by removing gristle or connective tissue or other fatty tissue from these residual trim cuts.

Abstract: Assembled bacon slices which do not overlap are provided by assembling a plurality of bacon belly portions by a process that does not require the use of added binders or the use of spring-loaded forms or other compression-imparting devices. Heating followed by chilling effects belly portion assembly that holds during slicing and subsequent cooking. Pre-cooked generally square assembled bacon slices which do not overlap are thus provided.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing cooked ham, comprising trimming and cutting pig muscles into pieces, treating the pieces with a high hydrostatic pressure, injecting brine into the pressure treated pieces of pig muscles, tumbling, filling in moulds or casings, cooking and cooling the pig muscles. Cooking yield without negatively affecting the texture is improved.

Abstract: A process for the heterotrophic or predominantly heterotrophic production of whole-celled or extracted microbial products with a high concentration of omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids, producible in an aerobic culture under controlled conditions using biologically pure cultures of heterotrophic single-celled fungi microorganisms of the order Thraustochytriales. The harvested whole-cell microbial product can be added to processed foods as a nutritional supplement, or to fish and animal feeds to enhance the omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid content of products produced from these animals. The lipids containing these fatty acids can also be extracted and used in nutritional, pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

Abstract: From 2% to 15% by weight of solid pieces of a gel having a water content of above 95% and a size of from 2 mm to 10 mm are mixed with a meat base or fish base to obtain a heterogeneous composition which has a water content of at least 82% by weight. The gel is prepared with K-carragheenin or gellane.

Abstract: Assembled bacon slices are provided by assembling a plurality of bacon belly portions by a process that does not require the use of added binders or the use of spring-loaded forms or other compression-imparting devices. Heating followed by chilling effects belly portion assembly that holds during slicing and subsequent cooking. Pre-cooked generally square assembled bacon slices are thus provided.

Abstract: A combination of entirely natural antioxidants provides an unexpected synergistic effect in extending the shelf life of animal-fat-containing feed when admixed with such fat or feed in amounts which are economically feasible. The specific antioxidants are lecithin, tocopherol and oil of rosemary. All combinations of at least two of these in amounts of from 0.01 to 2.0 percent by weight of lecithin, from 0.0035 to 0.056 percent by weight of tocopherol and from 0.01 to 0.10 percent by weight of oil of rosemary (based on the combined weight of antioxidant and animal fat) inordinately extend the shelf life of animal feed in general and of pet food in particular, when such products contain animal fat.

Abstract: This process is used to prepare pig meat, including pig stomachs and pig intestines. The process includes the steps of thawing, cooking, washing, and refrigeration. Frozen pig meat is first thawed. The meat is then slow cooked in 195 degree F. water for a certain period after which the cooking process is stopped. The meat is then washed in a granular sodium hydroxide solution, rinsed and then soaked in an oxygen bleach solution and rinsed again. The meat is then refrigerated for sale.

Abstract: This process is used to remove the bones and joints from duck feet and to process the duck feet to make them edible. Initially, the duck feet are frozen for one or two days and are then thawed. After slow cooking for fifteen minutes, the duck feet are soaked in cold water for twenty minutes. After refrigerating for two hours, the bones and joints of the feet are removed. For about five minutes, cold water is run over the duck feet and then the duck feet are washed for 90 to 120 minutes in a solution of oxygen bleach and 100 degree F. water. Then, cold water is run over the cold feet for two hours and then the duck feet are refrigerated for two hours. At that point, the duck feet are ready for packaging or for serving or for additional cooking.

Abstract: The process for producing a flake style food of the present invention comprises adding a dehydrated vegetable to a seasoning solution, emulsifying the obtained mixture by stirring at a high speed of from 1,000 to 10,000 rpm within a temperature zone of from 10.degree. to 80.degree. C. for 1 to 10 minutes and mixing the emulsified product thus obtained with fish meat, poultry meat, cattle meat or artificial meat.

Abstract: A boneless meat product, including hams and other boneless meat, the meat being spirally sliced around an axis through the meat. The axis is created by the insertion of a temporary support member through the meat. The meat is mounted in meat slicing apparatus which rotates the meat. A slicer blade is introduced into the meat in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation while the meat is rotating. The slicer blade is then indexed linearly along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the meat, thereby effecting a spiral cut in the meat. The meat is removed from the apparatus following slicing operations and the support member removed from the meat.

Abstract: A bacon assembly and method of making same are disclosed in which a plurality of bacon strips are arranged on a single plane in a predetermined arrangement such that each of the bacon strips overlaps at least one other of the bacon strips at an overlapping section. The bacon strips in the arrangement are at least partially microwave cooked to form a microwave weld at the sections which overlap.

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 process of producing an evenly cooled comminute of meat particles ready for forming comprises forming a primary comminute from fresh meat, cooling the particles of the primary comminute into a coherent strip on a moving refrigerated surface and subjecting the strip to a secondary comminution with a reduction in particle size and a temperature equalization.

Abstract: The present invention has for object a process for making a food product from cheap meat chunks having a moisture content situated between 30 to 80% and a fat content situated between 1 to 30%. The chunks are comminuted to form a smooth homogeneous paste having a particular size of less than 2 mm. Salt is added to the paste to produce a partial solubilization of the meat proteins. Then slices of a thickness less than 3 mm are formed. The slices are stabilized by a mild heat treatment.

Abstract: A portion controlled packaged slice cooked whole muscle boneless cut of meat having the characteristic configuration of that cut is produced by: trimming, cooking and selecting a group of pieces of the cut all of which have a cooked weight within .+-.6% of the median weight of the group; compacting each piece while still hot from the cooking to a pre-determined length for that group and chilling the pieces while so compacted; setting the number and blade spacing of a single pass multi-blade slicer to suit the pre-determined length of the pieces and produce slices of a pre-determined weight, including the two end slices and passing each piece across grain through the slicer while maintaining the ends of each piece as the piece passes through the slicer under a considerable confining pressure.

Abstract: A pork rind product capable of storage at ambient temperature and which may be used in the meat industry as a source of protein has a water content of less than 15% by weight, a fat content of less than 20% by weight and a particle size of less than 5 mm. The product is capable of rapid rehydration.

Abstract: A boneless meat product .Iadd.and method for making such product.Iaddend., including hams and other boneless meat, the meat being spirally sliced around an axis through the meat. The axis is created by the insertion of a temporary support member through the meat. The meat is mounted in meat slicing apparatus which rotates the meat. A slicer blade is introduced into the meat in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation while the meat is rotating. The slicer blade is then indexed linearly along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the meat, thereby effecting a spiral cut in the meat. The meat is removed from the apparatus following slicing operations and the support member removed from the meat.