Abstract: A method of packaging a fresh meat product in a low oxygen environment is provided. The method comprises applying a natural plant component to a surface of the fresh meat product and sealing the fresh meat product in a package that contains a low oxygen environment. The natural plant component includes a sufficient amount of nitrites to convert myoglobin in the fresh meat product to nitrosomyoglobin and thereby improve the color of the fresh meat product. A meat color improvement solution and a pre-packaged food product are also provided.

Abstract: A package for retaining a food item includes a base and at least one side wall extending away from the base and terminating at a flange. The flange includes a sealing edge configured to contact a film wrap. The sealing edge is positioned inward of at least a portion of the side wall to guide fluids toward an interior volume of the package.

Abstract: Food preservation can include depositing dry ice and food within packaging. The packaging can include a flexible liner defining a wall aperture and an internal chamber. The internal chamber can receive the deposited dry ice and food and have an internal atmosphere. The packaging can include a check valve mounted to the flexible liner and covering the wall aperture. The check valve can be configured to occupy: (i) a closed state blocking fluid communication between the internal chamber and ambient via the wall aperture and (ii) an open state enabling fluid flow from the internal chamber, through the wall aperture, and into ambient.

Abstract: Food preservation can include depositing dry ice and food within packaging. The packaging can include a flexible liner defining a wall aperture and an internal chamber. The internal chamber can receive the deposited dry ice and food and have an internal atmosphere. The packaging can include a check valve mounted to the flexible liner and covering the wall aperture. The check valve can be configured to occupy: (i) a closed state blocking fluid communication between the internal chamber and ambient via the wall aperture and (ii) an open state enabling fluid flow from the internal chamber, through the wall aperture, and into ambient.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for treatment of substrates—such as foodstuffs—with a high pH composition and an oxidizer. These systems and methods give rise to enhanced disinfection performance.

Abstract: An article of manufacture, namely a poultry cut food product, and a method of producing the article of manufacture. The article of manufacture includes a portion cut of the thigh of a poultry item or other bird.

Abstract: Food preservation can include depositing dry ice and food within packaging. The packaging can include a flexible liner defining a wall aperture and an internal chamber. The internal chamber can receive the deposited dry ice and food and have an internal atmosphere. The packaging can include a check valve mounted to the flexible liner and covering the wall aperture. The check valve can be configured to occupy: (i) a closed state blocking fluid communication between the internal chamber and ambient via the wall aperture and (ii) an open state enabling fluid flow from the internal chamber, through the wall aperture, and into ambient.

Abstract: A meat product and method of cutting a boneless elongated meat member are disclosed. The elongated meat member is the loin of a hog carcass; the elongated meat member has a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis between the first and second ends. The method includes separating the elongated meat member into at least three elongated meat portions, two exterior elongated meat portions, and an interior elongated meat portion between the two exterior portions, the interior elongated meat portion is substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism. The separating step includes cutting the elongated meat member end to end in substantially the same direction of the longitudinal axis the length of the elongated meat member. The method also includes dividing the boneless elongated meat member into a plurality of smaller meat pieces by cutting the boneless elongated meat member substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A meat product and method of cutting a boneless elongated meat member are disclosed. The elongated meat member is the loin of a hog carcass; the elongated meat member has a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis between the first and second ends. The method includes separating the elongated meat member into at least three elongated meat portions, two exterior elongated meat portions, and an interior elongated meat portion between the two exterior portions, the interior elongated meat portion is substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism. The separating step includes cutting the elongated meat member end to end in substantially the same direction of the longitudinal axis the length of the elongated meat member. The method also includes dividing the boneless elongated meat member into a plurality of smaller meat pieces by cutting the boneless elongated meat member substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Penetrating the skin of a poultry item with an array of small holes accomplished by using a plurality of circular blades laterally spaced apart and substantially parallel and having a plurality teeth protruding from the edge of the blades and forcibly engaging and penetrating the skin of the poultry item with the plurality of teeth. The plurality of circular blades can have a common axis of rotation and rotating about a shaft extending along the common axis thereby forming a roller of blades.

Abstract: Penetrating the skin of a poultry item with an array of small holes accomplished by using a plurality of circular blades laterally spaced apart and substantially parallel and having a plurality teeth protruding from the edge of the blades and forcibly engaging and penetrating the skin of the poultry item with the plurality of teeth. The plurality of circular blades can have a common axis of rotation and rotating about a shaft extending along the common axis thereby forming a roller of blades.

Abstract: Penetrating the skin of a poultry item with an array of small holes accomplished by using a plurality of circular blades laterally spaced apart and substantially parallel and having a plurality teeth protruding from the edge of the blades and forcibly engaging and penetrating the skin of the poultry item with the plurality of teeth. The plurality of circular blades can have a common axis of rotation and rotating about a shaft extending along the common axis thereby forming a roller of blades.

Abstract: A method of packaging a fresh meat product in a low oxygen environment is provided. The method comprises applying a natural plant component to a surface of the fresh meat product and sealing the fresh meat product in a package that contains a low oxygen environment. The natural plant component includes a sufficient amount of nitrites to convert myoglobin in the fresh meat product to nitrosomyoglobin and thereby improve the color of the fresh meat product. A meat color improvement solution and a pre-packaged food product are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is generally related to methods and compositions for improving sensory and shelf life characteristics of raw meat products. More specifically, the invention relates to meat marinade compositions comprising a plant extract product comprising at least one bioflavonoid compound, and optionally, an organic acid suitable for use on a meat product, methods of making such meat marinade compositions, and methods of treating raw meat products with same.