Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for separating and closing the rectum (13) of a slaughtered animal carcass (10). A gripping apparatus (20) is first located inside a closure bag (15). The gripping apparatus (20) comprises a bung member (21) which is inserted into the rectum (13) past the anus (11) and a clamp (25) which is advanced to clamp the constricted sphincter muscle tissues (19) against the bung member without perforating the bag. The gripping apparatus (20) is retracted to tension and straighten the rectum (13) while surround tissues are cut. Then bagging means (30) advances the closure bag (15) so as to surround the rectum and the bag (15) is constricted by a ring (31) around the rectum (13) at a location spaced inwardly of the anus (11).