Abstract: The present invention pertains to recombinant genes coding for oleosin proteins in cacao and to polypeptides encoded by said genes. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of such genes and gene products for the manufacture of emulsifiers, encapsulating agents, and flavor components useful in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Abstract: A nozzle adaptable to the steam outlet of a coffee machine is designed to froth a liquid such as e.g. milk. Said nozzle comprises in the direction of the steam flow path: a steam inlet opening, a restriction with limited cross-section adapted to accelerate the velocity of the steam flow, and at least one cavity having a cross-section larger than the restriction and from which the frothed liquid can be drained. The nozzle further comprises an outer casing comprising a smoothening reservoir and a jet breaking surface facing the opening and at least one outlet opening radially offset relatively to the opening of the portion of the enlarged mixing cavity. The outer casing is arranged at least partially around the tubular portion of mixing cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the dispensing of a microbiologically sensitive fluid, in particular low acid food fluid, in a hygienic manner so as to avoid micro-organism growth in the line dispensing the fluid as well as in any mechanical components of a dispensing unit that may enter into contact with the fluid. The invention relates to a device for hygienically supplying microbiologically sensitive fluid from a removable container that has a terminal connecting portion to a dispensing unit. The device includes a coupling mechanism adapted to connect the terminal connecting portion and a component for delivering a cleaning or rinsing fluid within the terminal connecting portion.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to novel aspartic endoproteinases from Th. cacao which are involved in the production of cocoa flavor and DNA sequences coding for them. These enzymes are advantageously used in the manufacture of cocoa flavor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dough compositions, adapted for storage under refrigerated conditions, a method for preparing the dough compositions, and baked products containing the dough composition. The dough compositions contain at least one strain of a lti-yeast and one or more sugars fermentable by the lti-yeast in an amount so that the dough composition will give rise to a CO2 production of between about 50 to 250 ml/100 g dough within a time period not exceeding 1 week after the dough is prepared and a total amount of CO2 production during the 5 week period after the dough is prepared being limited to about 400 ml/100 g dough. The refrigeratable dough composition provide baked goods having excellent texture and flavor even when being stored for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device for a foodstuff, in particular ice cream, having a holder for a receiving container for the foodstuff, and a support for the holder. In order to facilitate the positioning and removal of the receiving container in the delivery position, the holder is connected to a support by an adjusting device, and the holder can be moved in the adjusting device between a delivery position for delivering the foodstuff and an intermediate position for inserting the receiving container into and removing it from the holder.

Abstract: A prebiotic for enhancement of an immune response, a nutritional composition for enhancement of an immune response; use of a prebiotic in the manufacture of a medicament or nutritional composition for enhancement of an immune response; use of a prebiotic in the manufacture of a medicament or nutritional composition for the prevention or treatment of measles; a method of enhancing an immune response which comprises administering an effective amount of a prebiotic; and a method of prevention or treatment of measles which comprises administering an effective amount of a prebiotic. In preferred embodiments the prebiotic comprises a fructo-oligosaccharide.

Abstract: A method for selectively increasing the production of propionate in the gastro-intestinal tract of a mammal. The method includes the step of enterally administering to the mammal a nutritional composition which contains dextran. Increasing the propionate production results in decreased blood cholesterol levels, decreased blood triglyceride levels, decreased very low density lipoprotein levels, increased high density lipoprotein levels, and increased insulin sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an effective amount of at least one microorganism belonging to the species Lactobacillus paracasei or casei, a fraction thereof or a metabolite thereof, in combination with an effective amount of at least one microorganism belonging to the species Bifidobacterium longum or Bifidobacterium lactis, a fraction thereof or a metabolite thereof, for producing a dermatological composition intended for treating and/or preventing reactive sensitive skin that may or may not be associated with dryness of the skin.

Abstract: Nutritional solutions and methods of making same are disclosed. The solutions include protein, lipid, and a carbohydrate source including high amylose starch and guar gum.

Abstract: Methods and equations are provided for predicting the enrichment of polyunsaturated fatty acids in a canine based on a known diet. The methods and equations of the present invention can be used to predict the enrichment of linoleic acid and ?-linolenic acid in plasma triglycerides and n-3 and n-6 type highly unsaturated fatty acids in plasma phospholipids and neutrophil phospholipids. The ability to accurately predict the enrichment of polyunsaturated fatty acids in a canine based on diet may be used to design specific diets to meet certain dietary needs.

Abstract: A method of providing a pet with a benefit relating to effective assimilation of a lipid is described wherein the pet is administered, as a part of, or in addition to its regular diet, an edible composition that contains an ingredient that maintains, promotes or enhances the capacity of the pet to digest lipid efficiently. The invention extends to compositions for use in promoting lipid assimilation in pets, particularly senior or elderly pets. The compositions include a pancreatic and either a liver or an intestinal mucosa function-promoter or both. In embodiments, the liver function-promoter may be selected from taurine, vitamins, minerals, glutathione and glutathione promoters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing device with an input container that is configured for receiving a product that includes a fluid component and a second component. A whipper with a conical whipper surface has an axis is configured for aerating and frothing the product. The whipper surface extends between first and second end portions, with the first end portion having a smaller diameter than the second end portion. The whipper surface is preferably oriented at a surface angle to the axis of about between 5° and 65°. A motor is in driving association with the whipper for rotating the whipper about the axis at a speed sufficient for aerating and frothing the product. A product exit conduit is disposed downstream of the whipper and is configured for dispensing the product of the fluid and second components.

Abstract: The aroma-improving agent is present with the aroma-containing component, such as chocolate, cocoa, tea or coffee, in an amount effective to chemically interact with aroma compounds to form an improved aroma-containing component which (a) enhance a significant portion of one or more of the desirable flavor or sensory characteristics of the aroma in the aroma-containing component, or (b) reduces one or more non-desirable flavor and sensory characteristics. The aroma-improving agent preferably is a nucleophile that contains sulfur or nitrogen, such as sulfur dioxide, sulfites, substances that contain or generate sulfite, thiols, amines or amino acids.

Abstract: A process for stabilizing an aroma-providing component such as coffee aroma against loss or degradation of desirable flavor or sensory characteristics of its aroma during storage. The aroma-providing component is associated with a stabilizing agent in an amount effective to chemically interact with undesirable compounds to form a stabilized aroma-providing component which (a) retains a significant portion of one or more of the desirable flavor or sensory characteristics of the aroma in the aroma-containing component during storage, or (b) reduces off flavor generation during storage of the aroma-providing component. The stabilizing agent preferably is a nucleophile that contains sulfur or nitrogen, such as sulfur dioxide, sulfites, compounds that contain or generate thiols, amines or amino acids, cysteine, gluathione or an enzyme. The stabilized aroma-providing component retains the desirable flavor and sensory characteristics of the aroma for a time period of at least six months to one year or longer.

Abstract: A process for stabilizing an aroma-providing component such as coffee aroma against loss or degradation of its flavor or sensory characteristics by associating the aroma-providing component with a stabilizing agent in an amount effective to reduce or prevent the loss or degradation of the flavor or sensory characteristics of the component and form a stabilized aroma-providing component followed by removing the stabilizing agent from the stabilized coffee aroma prior to packaging for storage or prior to adding the stabilized coffee aroma to a food or beverage product. The resulting stabilized aroma-providing component is essentially free of the stabilizing agent and may be incorporated into a food or beverage product with the initial flavor or sensory characteristics of the stabilized component being retained for a time period of at least two months during storage of the food or beverage product.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to specific peptides obtainable from cocoa beans and giving rise to a particular and distinct savor when subjected to a Maillard reaction with reducing sugars. In particular, the present invention pertains to the use of one or more of these specific peptides for the preparation of a chocolate flavor, specifically a cocoa and a caramel flavor, a floral or specifically, a bonbon flavor, a bready flavor, a roasted flavor or a meat flavor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a calcium absorption enhancer comprising as an active ingredient calcium and at least one of the components selected from the group of egg white, egg white proteins and isoflavones, as well as to an orally ingestible composition comprising it, and its use for different purposes, such as attenuating obesity, or increasing mobility.

Abstract: A die plate for an extruder is coupled directly to a fluid-driven motor on one side and to an extruder on the other side. Suitable fluid inlet and outlet passages are formed in the die plate to supply the motor with fluid and withdraw fluid. A cutter assembly includes a housing to receive the motor within and is coupled for rotation to an output shaft from the motor, so that in use blades mounted on the housing are caused to rotate into the path of extrudate and to sever it.

Abstract: A destacking device for rolled cone-like structures with or without sleeves, and in particular for ice-cream wafer cones, has at least one gripper for the cones, with the jaws of the gripper that come into contact with the cones being made of an elastic material that conforms to the shape of the cone-like structures.