Abstract: A method for processing or manufacturing a meat product is disclosed. Frozen meat is provided into a meat grinder having a grinder plate having a first surface and a second surface defining apertures of different sizes and shapes extending between the first surface and the second surface. The meat is urged through the apertures by a coolant and chopped or broken into frozen pieces by a blade rotating a spaced distance from the second surface of the plate. The frozen pieces are then provided into and conveyed by an auger conveyor as more coolant is provided into the conveyor to further cool the meat pieces. The meat pieces are then sifted to more optimally obtain desired pieces sizes or range of sizes and/or sublimate the coolant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for reducing microbial levels on a hide of an animal utilizing means for contacting the hide of an animal with an alkaline solution having a pH of between about 8 and about 13 after stunning the animal, a second means for contacting the hide with a second solution that includes one of water, organic acid or hydrogen peroxide and a means for reusing at least a portion of the alkaline solution or the water/organic acid/hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A method for preserving a food product, such as meat, comprising the steps of inoculating meat with an effective amount of euhygienic non-pathogenic, non-spoilage bacteria in order to competitively inhibit the growth of undesired pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. Edible films that incorporate and/or cover euhygenic bacteria on the food product are used to ensure competitive inhibition of undesired spoilage and pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method for reducing microbial levels on a hide of an animal. In one embodiment, the method comprises stunning the animal having a hide with a quantity of microorganisms on its hair, contacting the hide of the animal with an alkaline solution having a pH from about 8 to about pH 13, contacting the animal with a second solution including one or more of water, an organic acid, and hydrogen peroxide, and reusing at least a portion of at least one of the first and second solutions.