Abstract: This invention relates to a casing (10) for use in encasing meat products. The casing (10) comprises a combination of a first tubular casing (11) which may comprise a fibrous casing material and a knitted tubular net (12) located around and substantially concentric to the first tubular member (11). The tubular net (12) comprises circumferential elastic cords (13) and longitudinal cords (14), and the relative diameter of the circumferential cords (13) to the first tubular casing (11) are such that when the casing (10) is being filled the circumferential cords (13) are placed under tension prior to the first tubular casing (11) reaching its maximum diameter. This enables the circumferential cords (13) to absorb some of the hoop stress before it is applied to the first tubular member (11) thereby preventing splitting of the first tubular member (11) which might otherwise occur without the tubular netting (12).

Abstract: This invention relates to a tubular casing for location around food products prior to cooking or curing that produce a quilted-like surface pattern to the surface of the food product. The invention comprises a first tubular portion that is knitted in continuous lengths such that the wall of the first tubular portion is stretchable, and circumferential and longitudinal threads secured to the surface of the first tubular portion that become taut as food product is located within the first tubular portion such that a quilted surface pattern is applied to the surface of the product.