Abstract: A sliced food product such as a cheese product or meat product having a design or figure cut or otherwise formed therein. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the design or figure is cut entirely or substantially through the slice so that the design or figure may be removed from a surrounding peripheral portion of the slice. A method and apparatus for forming the figure or design are also disclosed. The preferred method and apparatus employ a rotary figure cutter which cuts entirely through the slice to outline a pattern or figure, and which cuts or penetrates partially through the slice to form details of the figure by embossing or indenting design components on the slice. The slice is preferably wrapped in film prior to the figure cutting operation, and the figure cutter performs its function without cutting or tearing the film wrap. The rotary figure cutter preferably comprises a pair of rotary dies between which each slice passes as the design is formed thereon.

Abstract: A sliced food product such as a cheese product or meat product having a design or figure cut or otherwise formed therein. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the design or figure is cut entirely or substantially through the slice so that the design or figure may be removed from a surrounding peripheral portion of the slice. A method and apparatus for forming the figure or design are also disclosed. The preferred method and apparatus employ a rotary figure cutter which cuts entirely through the slice to outline a pattern or figure, and which cuts or penetrates partially through the slice to form details of the figure by embossing or indenting design components on the slice. The slice is preferably wrapped in film prior to the figure cutting operation, and the figure cutter performs its function without cutting or tearing the film wrap. The rotary figure cutter preferably comprises a pair of rotary dies between which each slice passes as the design is formed thereon.