Abstract: The present invention pertains to novel microorganisms of the genus Bifidobacterium, that are useful in preventing diarrhea brought about by pathogenic bacteria. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of said microorganisms for the preparation of an ingestable support and to a composition containing the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel 2S cocoa albumin protein that has now been isolated, purified and identified from cocoa beans. The present invention is further directed to flavor precursors generated from the enzymatic hydrolysis of this novel protein and to use of the flavor precursors to form a cocoa flavor useful in making chocolate flavored compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a probiotic delivery system that is preferably added to a food product. In particular, the invention shows that compacted pellets having a volume of at least 0.02 cm3, that comprise, besides viable micro-organisms, arbitrary or eligible components, such as fillers, binder, plasticizer, other functional ingredients and a coating may be added to semi-moist, moist or semi-dry products. The micro-organisms remain viable for a longer time than commercially obtainable preparations of probiotics.

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 intestinal mucosa function-promoters in an effective amount to maintain, improve or enhance 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 preferably include pancreatic, liver and intestinal mucosa function-promoters.

Abstract: A canned pet food product having a base layer and an upper layer. The base layer is formed of solid food pieces in a gravy which makes up about 20% to about 40% of the base layer. The upper layer, which provides about 20% to about 80% by weight of the pet food product, is a substantially solid foodstuff. The substantially solid foodstuff is capable of supporting the base layer when the pet food product is inverted. The separation between the layers is clear and distinct.

Abstract: A method of introducing a property of a particular yeast strain, based on a recessive allele, into the genetic background of an industrial baker's yeast; as well as yeast strains obtainable according to the method. In particular, a method is disclosed to introduce an lti-property into the genetic background of industrial baker's yeast. The novel strains obtained according to the method may be used for the preparation of a dough and for the manufacture of baked products therefrom, such as on an industrial scale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a supernatant of lactic acid bacteria or of Bifidobacteria capable of preventing colonization of intestinal cells by Giardia intestinalis, for the preparation of an ingestable carrier for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disorders associated with the colonization of the gut by Giardia intestinalis. The present invention also pertains to specific strains of Bifidobacterium having the above traits and to the ingestable carrier, such as a food or pharmaceutical composition containing such supernatant or the microorganisms.

Abstract: Products and methods for reducing tartar on the teeth of a pet are provided. In an embodiment, a chewable product that enhances dental hygiene in a pet is provided comprising a body having a continuous phase and a discontinuous phase in such a proportion so that the force required to penetrate the product is greater than an anticipated bite force exerted by the pet during a normal biting event, and below the maximum force that the pet may periodically exert.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated food product dispenser comprising an interface connection configured to establish a supply of a milk-based fluid from a reservoir (for example, a container or a bag), a mixing device configured to receive the milk-based fluid and prepare a milk based product, a nozzle in fluid association with the mixing device for dispensing the milk based product, a product flowpath configured for directing the milk based product to flow from the interface connection through the mixing device to the nozzle, and a clean-in-place flowpath assembly located in the dispenser and comprising a supply of cleaning or sanitizing fluid and a flowpath which is configured to deliver the cleaning or sanitizing fluid to or through the product flowpath. The invention also relates to a method of using and machine readable program for controlling the automated food product dispenser of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated food product dispenser comprising an interface connection configured to establish a supply of a milk-based fluid from a reservoir (for example, a container or a bag), a mixing device configured to receive the milk-based fluid and prepare a milk based product, a nozzle in fluid association with the mixing device for dispensing the milk based product, a product flowpath configured for directing the milk based product to flow from the interface connection through the mixing device to the nozzle, and a clean-in-place flowpath assembly located in the dispenser and comprising a supply of cleaning or sanitizing fluid and a flowpath which is configured to deliver the cleaning or sanitizing fluid to or through the product flowpath. The invention also relates to a method of using and machine readable program for controlling the automated food product dispenser of the invention.

Abstract: An aerated frozen ice cream comprising a mixture of ingredients suitable for frozen aerated ice cream and at least one emulsifier for facilitating formation and stabilization of fat alpha crystals, the ice cream having an overrun of about 20% to about 250%, uniformly distributed small air cells having an average size of less than about 50 microns, ice crystals, a smooth texture, and heat shock resistant.

Abstract: A method for producing a beta-glucan from a non-pathogenic saprophytic filamentous fuingus or composition that contains it. Also, methods for providing this beta-glucan in a food product to improve structure, texture, stability or combinations thereof, in a food product to provide nutrition or in the manufacture of a medicament or nutritional composition for the prevention or treatment of an immune disorder, tumor or microbial infection.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a food or pet food product containing up to 50% gel capsules or tablets based on alginate, pectate or a mixture of both and comprising oil, vitamins, amino-acids, proteins, minerals, colorants, flavors and/or specifically targeted functional ingredients such as probiotic microorganisms, bioactive molecules, said food product being taken in the group consisting of chilled, dried retorted and UHT-products.

Abstract: A method is described to provide composition for a nutritional supplement for convalescing patients recovering from illness or surgery, those with limited appetite such as the elderly, children or anorexic patients, or those who have impaired ability to digest other sources of protein such as persons having chronic gastritis who have a reduced gastric pepsin digestion. The supplement comprises: (i) a protein source which provides at least about 8% total calories of the composition and which includes at least about 50% by weight whey protein; (ii) a lipid source having an omega 3:6 fatty acid ratio of about 5:1 to about 10:1 and which provides at least about 18% total calories of the composition; (iii) a carbohydrate source; and (iv) a balanced macronutrient profile comprising at least vitamin E and vitamin C. The supplement has reduced capacity to induce satiety. Also disclosed is a method of treatment which comprises administering an effective amount of the composition.

Abstract: Novel microorganisms of the family Lactobacillaceae and pharmaceutical compositions, food and methods of using same are provided. The microorganisms have the ability of preventing colonization of the intestine with pathogenic bacteria causing diarrhea and of preventing infection of intestinal epithelial cells by rotaviruses. The microorganisms can be used for the preparation of an ingestable support and to compositions containing same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule cage (1) which can be fitted in a coffee machine, having a water intake channel (4) and a housing (5) for the capsule to be extracted, and, directly at the outlet of the water intake channel and in the housing, a system (6) which pierces the capsule, is independent of the water intake channel and is formed by at least one blade. The blade has two side edges (22, 23) and a cutting edge, one of the two side edges of the blade having a direction substantially parallel to the direction of piercing A of the capsule to be extracted.

Abstract: A lactic bacteria strain that is exogenous to the oral microflora is selected for its ability to adhere the pellicle of the teeth and to produce a growth inhibition factor. This strain is used for the preparation of a composition intended for reducing dental plaque and for treating or preventing root caries and other diseases related to Actinomyces naeslundii in mammals.

Abstract: An edible chewing gum having a gum base consisting essentially of agar and one or more soluble ingredients as well as a process for its preparation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aromatized, soluble creamer powder. The creamer particles are formed of a matrix of one or more proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and an aroma system. The aroma system is formed of aqueous coffee aroma components and soluble coffee solids in preferred ratios to help stabilize the unstable aqueous coffee aroma components. The creamer powder may be used, e.g., in soluble coffee beverage powders.

Abstract: The invention discloses a device intended for dispensing first and second flowable substances for the preparation of a food or beverage. This device includes first and second container holders each comprising an apertured plate member for receiving a container opening, with the plate member being adapted to move from a closed position, wherein a portion of the plate member obturates the container opening, to an open position, where the flowable substance can be dispensed from the container, and vice versa. First and second container opening connection structures are provided for operatively associating each container opening with its respective apertured plate member.