Abstract: A system and related methods for monitoring and dosing peroxycarboxylic acids, particularly peracetic acid, in food processing applications based upon desired concentration of the processing solution. The concentration of the peroxycarboxylic acid measured and additional peroxycarboxylic acid being added to the processing solution if the measured concentration is below a threshold level of the desired concentration, and additional water being added to the processing solution if the measured concentration is above a threshold level of the desired concentration. The system and related methods capable of being used in utilized with either live stream or static, storage tank based systems, to keep the concentration of peroxycarboxylic acid at or near desired concentration levels while experiencing less variation than experienced with conventional flow-based or hand-mixed systems.

Abstract: Methods and related apparatus for improving the efficacy of antimicrobial agents within processing tanks. Processing tanks can include side streams for introducing antimicrobial agents into the processing tanks. The antimicrobial agents will be added and mixed in the side stream to form a processing solution. Additional actions can be conducted on the processing solution within the side stream including any and or all of heating, pumping, sampling, measuring, testing and pH adjustment of the processing solution. The processing solution is divided into at least two processing solution steams, which can be introduced at two different and distinct locations within the processing tank such as a carcass introduction end and a carcass removal end. By simultaneously introducing at least two processing solution streams at different locations of the processing tank, large concentration gradients of the antimicrobial agent are avoided.

Abstract: A scrubbing assembly for treating malodorous air by chemical scrubbing one or more chemical components from an influent airflow, particularly one or more chemical components that have become airborne from chemical intervention solutions used during food processing, such as vapors from peroxycarboxylic acid solutions used during food processing. The peroxycarboxylic acid vapors are removed from air in a continuous manner within the scrubber assembly utilizing a neutralizing chemical solution to provide a treated effluent airflow that can be returned back to the point of use area from which the malodorous air was removed for treatment.

Abstract: A method for producing an aqueous equilibrium peroxylactic acid solution by reaction mixing lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, water, one or more optional acid catalysts and one or more optional sequestering agents in a vessel over a period of time while maintaining the temperature of the solution at a temperature below about 100° C. The aqueous equilibrium peroxylactic acid solution can be used for reducing the bacterial count on a protein food product during processing.

Abstract: Methods and related apparatus for improving the efficacy of antimicrobial agents within processing tanks. Processing tanks can include side streams for introducing antimicrobial agents into the processing tanks. The antimicrobial agents will be added and mixed in the side stream to form a processing solution. Additional actions can be conducted on the processing solution within the side stream including any and or all of heating, pumping, sampling, measuring, testing and pH adjustment of the processing solution. The processing solution is divided into at least two processing solution steams, which can be introduced at two different and distinct locations within the processing tank such as a carcass introduction end and a carcass removal end. By simultaneously introducing at least two processing solution streams at different locations of the processing tank, large concentration gradients of the antimicrobial agent are avoided.

Abstract: A poultry carcass spraying cabinet having an inclined or declined section located between the entrance and exit, the inclined or declined section having a slope or angle such that the wing-area of adjacently shackled poultry carcasses being conveyed is spaced to increase spray performance of the carcass spraying cabinet, allow foreign material proximate the wing-area of the poultry carcasses to be dislodged, and thereby minimize cross-contamination during poultry processing. The spray nozzles of adjacent arbor members of the inclined or declined section being located in different horizontal planes to provide optimal spraying performance proximate the wing-area of the poultry carcass.