Abstract: The invention concerns a stable homogeneous emulsifier-free suspension of at least one hydrophobic substance and/or a substance whereof the melting point is higher than about 130° C., and a thickening agent, in an aqueous medium. Said suspensions can be used in food compositions, in particular based on milk and milk derivatives.

Abstract: The invention concerns lactic acid bacteria with anxiolytic properties and not inducing sedative effect. Said lactic acid bacteria are useful in particular for preparing foods or medicines.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for obtaining food products with reduced post-fermentation acidification, by fermenting mixtures of soy milk and either grain meal or almond milk with Streptococcus thermophilus and, optionally, other lactic acid bacteria.

Abstract: A process for detecting live microbiological contaminants in a food product sample, according to which the presence of mRNA coding for the synthesis of a protein involved in the synthesis of proteins by the contaminants is detected in the sample.

Abstract: A method of improving sleep in a mammal having a sleep disorder is disclosed. The method includes identifying the mammal having a sleep disorder and then administering Lactobacillus acidophilus CNCM I-2274, Lactobacillus acidophilus CNCM I-2132, Lactobacillus helveticus CNCM I-2275, Streptococcus thermophilus CNCM I-1520, Streptococcus thermophilus CNCM I-2272 or mixtures thereof. The method increases the length of the non rapid eye movement sleep phase and decreases the length of the rapid eye movement sleep phase. The bacteria can be administered in an orally consumable food product or a dietary supplement.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a Streptococcus thermophilus strain that has been deposited at the Collection Nationale de Cultures de Microorganismes (CNCM) under No. I-it 1477 and mutants that share similar milk acidification characteristics. The invention also covers processes for using the novel strain to prepare fermented dairy products and fermented products produced by these processes. Strain No. I-1477 possesses unique milk acidification properties that distinguish it from other related bacterial strains. Most importantly, the claimed Streptococcus strain exhibits both a rapid rate of acidification, which reduces the risk of bacterial contamination and extremely low post-acidification activity following fermentation, which helps preserve the fermentation products.

Abstract: L. casei DN 114-001 is a bacterial agent known for its utility in the fermentation of milk products. A fermented milk product comprising as the sole bacterial agent L. casei DN 114-001 is effective in reducing the number of rotavirus associated diarrhea episodes experienced by infants up to 24 months of age. In particular, the number of rotavirus associated diarrhea episodes, as well as their severity and duration is reduced in children receiving milk products fermented with L. casei DN 114-001, present in the fermented milk product in amounts of at least 106 CFU/g. L. casei may be the sole bacterial agent present in the fermented milk product, and yet effective reduction of diarrhea episodes associated with rotavirus infection is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides essentially non-dairy food compositions containing at least one monosaccharide in an amount sufficient to increase the osmotic pressure of the composition, and at least one bacteriocidal enzyme. The invention also provides methods of making such compositions. The food compositions preferably contain chocolate. The combination of at least one monosaccharide and at least one bacteriocidal enzyme inhibits increases in bacterial population numbers for at least 28 days.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strain of Streptococcus thermophilus deposited at Collection Nationale de Cultures de Microorganismes (CNCM) No. I-1477 and a mutant strain that has similar milk acidification characteristics. Also disclosed is the use of the S. thermophilus strains to produce fermented milk products and the products produced thereby.

Abstract: Plastics material packaging includes a receptacle having a bottom and a sidewall which present an annular rim around its edge remote from the bottom, said rim providing an area for sealing a closure membrane, and the packaging further includes a cover applied to the receptacle over said membrane which it encloses. The cover is secured to the receptacle by a permanent connection that can be disconnected when the packaging is opened only by being broken, which connection is advantageously constituted by a discrete number of breakable tampering indicators. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing such packaging for long-term storage of food.

Abstract: A food composition of the type containing a cookie or a chocolate shell and a filling based on a dairy product wherein the filling is fermented and contains live lactic acid bacteria, has a water activity (Aw) of between 0.75 and 0.81 and wherein the fat content of the filling is such that it makes it possible to obtain a water-in-oil type emulsion.

Abstract: A packaging device for individual containers comprising a cardboard, plastic material or similar blank with a surface formed with orifices through which the containers pass and grooved along two continuous or discontinuous lines defining two strips, which, after bending form two short parallel flaps with tongues coming from the orifices in the blank and adapted to be erected therefrom opposite the flaps, the containers--held in the orifices--are further supported by the flaps or the tongues bearing under an external projection of the containers, which tongues act in the manner of buttresses or stays, by bearing on a zone of small extent of the projection, and the total height of the tongues and flaps by which the device may rest on a display surface or any appropriate support is substantially equal to the height of the containers.

Abstract: The invention provides a packaging device for individual containers comprising a cardboard, plastic material or similar blank with a surface formed with orifices through which said containers pass and grooved along two continuous or discontinuous lines defining two strips, which, after bending form two short parallel flaps with tongues coming from the cut-outs forming said orifices in the blank and adapted to be erected therefrom opposite the flaps, said containers--held in said orifices--are further supported by said flaps or said tongues bearing under an external projection of the containers, which tongues act in the manner of buttresses or stays, by bearing on a zone of small extent of the projection, and the total height of the tongues and flaps by which the device may rest on a display surface or any appropriate support is substantially equal to the height of said containers.

Abstract: A new assembly is provided for storing, transporting and distributing objects, comprising an ordinary standard transport pallet called main pallet, at least two secondary storage and handling pallets, each of said secondary pallets being provided with at least one row of feet or supports set back with respect to the edge of the pallet and a single cover made from a hot shrink plastic material, the upper surface of said cover comprising recessed and holding zones placed at the level of the separation of the load above the secondary pallets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thickening composition for a coating or topping intended for food products, said composition comprising a mixture of carrageenans and xanthan gum. The invention also relates to a coating composition comprising a thickening composition in combination with a coating base comprising fruit pulps, chocolate, coffee or mocha, in the form of pieces, powder, paste, suspension or solution, the thickening composition being present in the coating composition in a proportion of 0.4 to 1.5% by weight.