Abstract: The present invention includes a method for preparing a meat product that includes subjecting meat material to ultrasonic energy to reduce the microbial content of the meat material. One embodiment of the method includes subjecting the meat material to ultrasonic energy further comprises subjecting the meat material to about 1×10?4 to about 1 kilowatt-hour ultrasonic energy per liter meat material. In other embodiments the application of the ultrasonic energy can be varied in terms of energy, duration time, frequency, and temperature to achieve the desired results.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for rapidly cooling the exposed lean surfaces of a beef carcass. The system is adapted to reach important muscle regions, including the interior muscles located in the cavity of the carcass side. The system includes at least one nozzle disposed at an angle with respect to a line extending perpendicular to the carcass, such that a coolant contacts muscles located inside the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for rapidly cooling the exposed lean surfaces of a beef carcass. The system is adapted to reach important muscle regions, including the interior muscles located in the cavity of the carcass side. The system includes at least one nozzle disposed at an angle with respect to a line extending perpendicular to the carcass, such that a coolant contacts muscles located inside the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of reducing microbial levels during meat production. The method includes applying an antimicrobial agent to the animal hide, before removal of the hide from the carcass. The method may further include rinsing and drying the animal hide.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for cleaning the interior and exterior surfaces of an animal intestine. The system includes a carrier for holding and transporting sections of the intestine. The carrier is attached to a vertically-disposed wheel for rotating the carrier in a circular path. A spray assembly, located at a point above the wheel, is connected to a cleaning fluid supply and directs a spray of cleaning fluid at the exterior surface of the intestine. A supply tube, located at a point above the wheel, directs cleaning fluid into an interior of the intestine.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for cleaning the interior and exterior surfaces of an animal intestine. The system includes a carrier for holding and transporting sections of the intestine. The carrier is attached to a vertically-disposed wheel for rotating the carrier in a circular path. A spray assembly, located at a point above the wheel, is connected to a cleaning fluid supply and directs a spray of cleaning fluid at the exterior surface of the intestine. A supply tube, located at a point above the wheel, directs cleaning fluid into an interior of the intestine.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for cleaning the interior and exterior surfaces of an animal intestine. The system includes a carrier for holding and transporting sections of the intestine along a closed-path track. A vertically disposed tube, located at a point along the track, is connected to a cleaning fluid supply and directs a spray of cleaning fluid at the exterior surfaces. A cleaning nozzle, located at a point along the track, directs cleaning fluid into an interior of the intestine.