Abstract: A collagen-coated food product and a process for its manufacture which comprises a shaped food substance encased in a coagulated collagen fiber dispersion which is acidified with an inorganic acid and set in a bath which is essentially ammonia free. The process according to the invention is a process for the preparation of a collagen-coated food product wherein the collagen is coextruded with the food product wherein the collagen product for the extrusion comprises a collagen fiber dispersion, which is acidified with an inorganic acid and set in a setting bath which is essentially ammonia free.

Abstract: Casings for food such as sausage are prepared from connective tissue that has been removed from animal tissue in accordance with the process comprising the steps of (1) mechanically separating connective tissue and impurities from animal tissue; (2) treating the connective tissue to remove the fat; (3) reducing the residual bone content of the connective tissue by exposure to acidic materials; (4) separation of the non-collagenous protein and elastin by treating the connective tissue with a first enzyme; and (5) separation of the muscle tissue from the connective tissue by treating with a second enzyme. The step of removing the fat from the connective tissue can be accomplished by one or more of the following steps: (A) hydrocarbon extraction of the fat from the connective tissue; (B) extraction of the connective tissue with a critical fluid; (C) dissolution of the fat with a third enzyme; (D) treatment of the fat with a suitable treating agent; (E) heat treatment; and/or (F) pressure treatment e.g.

Abstract: A food casing comprising collagen treated with a lower alkyl diol. The casing has improved mechanical properties at low temperatures.

Abstract: Polyolefin containers having improved gas barrier properties are prepared by forming a billet comprised of a particle mixture of a polyolefin resin, such as polyethylene, an inorganic filler such as CaCO.sub.3 and at least about 13.5% by volume of a vinylidene chloride polymer having a median particle diameter greater than 150 microns. The billet is heated to a temperature of about 25.degree. to 40.degree. F above the melting temperature of the vinylidene chloride polymer and then molded into a hollow container.