Abstract: The present invention is directed bacterial isolates that produce proteinacious antimicrobial agents effective against a variety of food borne pathogens. The invention includes the bacteria, bacteriocin preparations derived from the bacteria and methods by which the preparations may be used.

Abstract: A chilled food product comprising a generally flat holder, a foldable food supported on the holder which food comprises a generally flat dough-based material supporting at least one edible filling or topping, and a removal wrap containing the holder and the food. The holder comprises a base, first and second sides adjacent the base, and a pair of lines of weakness between the base and the first and second sides, respectively, wherein the lines of weakness facilitate folding of the sides of the holder and the foldable food into a folded food product after cooking the unwrapped chilled product. The cooked folded food can be handheld in a comfortable manner via the holder. The holder also can incorporate means to aid increasing the exposure or repositioning of the cooked folded food while contained in the holder for eating convenience. Holders having flaps or slots to improve access to held foods also are provided. A method of serving packaged chilled food products incorporating the holder also is provided.

Abstract: Soy-containing fermented products, especially soy-containing yogurts, beverage, as well as methods for producing such products, are provided. The soy-containing fermented products are prepared using deflavored soy protein material, preferably deflavored soy milk.

Abstract: Methods are provided for preparing intermediate moisture vegetables. In one embodiment, this invention relates to a method for preparing intermediate moisture vegetables, said method comprising (1) predrying the vegetables to a moisture content of less than about 5 percent, (2) applying a low viscosity infusion cocktail comprising water, a polyhydric alcohol, and salt to the predried vegetables, (3) equilibrating the predried vegetables and infusion cocktail for at least about 30 minutes to provide the intermediate moisture vegetables, and (4) and packaging the intermediate moisture vegetables; wherein the infusion cocktail contains essentially no sugars or saccharides. When cooked, these intermediate moisture vegetables provide appearance, texture, and taste similar to that provided by high quality cooked individually quick frozen vegetables.

Abstract: A carton is provided having a door that is shiftable from a closed position to an open position to permit access to an interior of the carton. The door includes a gripping tab for opening the door. The gripping tab is restricted from movement by a blocking member prior to the initial shifting of the door from the closed position to the open position. Upon sufficient movement of the gripping tab, the blocking member is removable to permit shifting of the door from the closed position to the open position, thereby permitting access to the interior of the carton.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for preparing a processed peanut product containing high levels of peanut hearts material, with the peanut heart material being substantially stripped of bitter taste so as to provide debittered peanut hearts of comparable taste to actual peanuts or as being flavorless without adversely affecting the taste of a foodstuff end product. The processed product includes whole or fragmented peanut hearts and peanut heart powder processed using alkaline wash, neutralization, and drying for inactivating enzymes and removing bitter flavoring components. The peanut heart materials are debittered by adjusting the pH to about 8 to about 12 with an alkali material (e.g., sodium hydroxide) to solubilize the protein content and release the bitter flavor compounds making it possible to separate such compounds by ultrafiltration. The alkali treated peanut heart material is neutralized with an acidic aqueous solution.

Abstract: A packaging system for a meal kit that includes multiple, pre-packaged food items, optionally including a relatively massive component such as a beverage container. The packaging system generally comprises an outer container having two parts, a lid part and a tray part, separably joined together with a separable hinge portion and with a removable tear strip that leaves corners of the container parts reinforced so as to retain an enhanced stacking strength. Preferably, food items are supported by both the lid part and the tray part.

Abstract: Composite particle comprised of composite particles in which edible core particles are encapsulated with a coating comprising a material that forms a propellant gas when contacted with an edible acid in a solution such that the composite particles independently move in the solution sufficient to create a visual effect. The movement of the composite particles creates an interesting and enjoyable optical effect. In one embodiment, these composite particles are included in powdered beverage mixes including an edible acid which are reconstituted into drinking beverages having the optical effect imparted by the movement of the composite particles in solution.

Abstract: Whey protein materials such as whey from cheese making processes, whey protein concentrates, and whey protein isolates, are deflavored by adjusting the pH of an aqueous composition of such whey protein materials to about 8 to about 12 to solubilize the whey proteins and to release the flavoring compounds and thereafter passing the pH-adjusted composition to an ultrafiltration membrane having a molecular weight cutoff up to about 50,000 Daltons under conditions at which the flavoring compounds pass through the membrane, leaving the retained whey protein material with improved flavor.

Abstract: An assembly for shipping and retail includes a tray supporting products and a removable cover. The tray includes a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of side walls, and dividers. The cover includes a top panel, a front panel, and a rear panel, and a portion of each of the front and back panels contacts the bottom wall of the tray. The rear panel has rear members separated by a space. The top panel is sized not to exceed the outer dimensions of the tray, and portions thereof may be supported by the side walls. The assemblies are capable of supporting the compression loads due to stacking with the loads being transmitted through the walls and dividers of the cover and tray. The lateral edges of the front and rear panels of the cover are sized to prevent lateral displacement of the cover.

Abstract: The present invention has methods for preparing a processed peanut product containing high levels of peanut hearts material, with the peanut heart material being substantially stripped of bitter taste so as to provide debittered peanut hearts of comparable taste to actual peanuts or as being flavorless without adversely affecting the taste of a foodstuff end product. The processed product includes whole or fragmented peanut hearts and peanut heart powder processed using alkaline wash, neutralization, and drying for inactivating enzymes and removing bitter flavoring components. The peanut heart materials are debittered by adjusting the pH to about 8 to about 12 with an alkali material (e.g., sodium hydroxide) to solubilize the protein content and release the bitter flavor compounds making it possible to separate such compounds by ultrafiltration. The alkali treated peanut heart material is neutralized with an acidic aqueous solution.

Abstract: A food service apparatus is provided as an integral, self-contained assembly comprising a food storage unit adapted to contain a plurality of packaged food items under chilled conditions. There also is a countertop, including an exposed upper surface area, attached to the food storage unit. A cabinet module, defining at least one enclosure space, is attached to the countertop. An oven, operable to cook as food item, is removably placed in the at least one enclosure space. A food advertising module is attached to the cabinet module of the assembly.

Abstract: A food service apparatus is provided as a combination providing everything needed for food storage, advertising, preparation, and service.

Abstract: Packaging for a can containing ground roasted coffee packed under atmospheric pressure and having a flexible peel-off lid which is vented to allow the escape of a buildup of carbon dioxide gases. A spacing structure prevents the vent valve in the lid from being closed by contact with the plastic overcap. The spacing structure may include bosses on the overcap which engage the vent valve or a pocket in the overcap which allows the flexible lid to reach a maximum height without engaging the overcap. A permanently opened passageway may be provided between the plastic overcap and the rim of the can to further facilitate the escape of carbon dioxide.