Abstract: A CO-containing modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) gas is generated from a processing gas including CO2 and an optional inert gas by applying an electric field under conditions sufficient to generate non-thermal plasma. The fresh appearance of meat or seafood is maintained for a longer time by storing them in a container with the MAP gas.

Abstract: A liquid additive is sprayed over liquid nitrogen to form discrete solid particles of the additive in liquid nitrogen. The mixture of additive particles and liquid nitrogen is mixed with a flow of liquid nitrogen at an eductor pump to provide a food treatment composition comprising additive particles. The food treatment composition flows into an interior of food processing equipment to come into contact with food items contained therein.

Abstract: A liquid additive is sprayed over liquid nitrogen to form discrete solid particles of the additive in liquid nitrogen. The mixture of additive particles and liquid nitrogen is mixed with a flow of liquid nitrogen at an eductor pump to provide a food treatment composition comprising additive particles. The food treatment composition flows into an interior of food processing equipment to come into contact with food items contained therein.

Abstract: A CO-containing modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) gas is generated from a processing gas including CO2 and an optional inert gas by applying an electric field under conditions sufficient to generate non-thermal plasma. The fresh appearance of meat or seafood is maintained for a longer time by storing them in a container with the MAP gas.

Abstract: A CO-containing modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) gas is generated from a processing gas including CO2 and an optional inert gas by applying an electric field under conditions sufficient to generate non-thermal plasma. The fresh appearance of meat or seafood is maintained for a longer time by storing them in a container with the MAP gas.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide methods and systems that distribute an additive in solid carbon dioxide in an interior of food processing equipment. The additive may be injected into a flow of liquid carbon dioxide upstream of an expander at or adjacent to the interior. Injection of the additive into the interior may be alternated with directing a flow of expanded carbon dioxide into the interior. In some embodiments, the freezing point of the additive with or without a diluent composition and/or additive(s) is lower than a temperature of the liquid carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method to pasteurize pre-packaged food at, or near room temperature, using supercritical carbon dioxide is provided. Carbonation may also be introduced simultaneous to the pasteurization.

Abstract: Systems and methods improve the useful life of fry oil by inhibiting or eliminating factors that degrade the oil. A flow of gas in contact with the oil provides efficient cooling of the oil that was heated but is for a temporary period of time not needed to be kept hot. Further, utilizing inert gas for the cooling provides protection of the oil from oxidation. For example, chilled or liquid nitrogen gas introduced into a head space above an oil surface and/or into the oil both cools the oil and protects the oil from oxidation.

Abstract: Products and methods for treating or sanitizing a target item to reduce or eliminate biological microorganisms in or on the target item. The target item is contacted with a moist sanitizing gas mixture to effectively reduce the presence of biological microorganisms without adversely affecting the quality of the target item. The moist sanitizing gas mixture of the invention is particularly useful for treating food products. The moist sanitizing gas mixture of the current invention may be formed by humidifying a dry gas and then contacting the target item with the humidified gas containing a sanitizing agent. Furthermore, the invention provides for chilling the target item, particularly food items, before exposure to the moist sanitizing gas mixture to preserve the fresh appearance, taste, and aroma of the target item.

Abstract: Methods of cooling and sanitation of target items, particularly food products, food storage, and food transportation devices. A treating agent containing a sanitizing agent entrapped by or absorbed in or on a cooling agent is used when processing, transporting, displaying, or storing of target items. The treating agent can be used to chill and preserve target items, and while providing the added benefit of sanitizing the target item. This disclosure also discusses novel processes for using a treating agent to process, store, or package target items using a treating agent containing a cooling agent, such as solid carbon dioxide (“dry ice”), and a sanitizing agent, such as ozone.

Abstract: Methods for treating, and/or cooling of a target item to reduce or eliminate biological microorganisms in or on a target item. The treating agent of the invention is particularly useful for treating food products, food storage, and food transportation devices as well as treating water, or other target objects. A treating agent containing a sanitizing agent entrapped by or absorbed in or on a cooling agent is used when processing, transporting, displaying, or storing of target items. The treating agent can be used to chill and preserve target items while providing the added benefit of sanitizing the target item. The novel processes of the current invention provide for using a treating agent to process, store, or package target items using a treating agent containing a cooling agent, such as solid carbon dioxide (“dry ice”), and a sanitizing agent, such as ozone.

Abstract: A product containing a food product and a bioactive culture, and a treatment process for preserving a food or food product against microbiological contamination, which improves the quality of such food and enhances the safety of food and food products. The process applies a bioactive culture to the food and utilizes a pressure treatment process, optionally with a controlled atmosphere, to provide a reduction of the level of microorganisms, spores, or enzymes on and in foods or food products and suppress growth of pathogenic organisms that are not fully killed in the treatment process. The food or food product is generally contacted with the gas under pressure conditions for a time sufficient to substantially sanitize or disinfect the food or food product following depressurization.

Abstract: A method for treating food is disclosed. The method comprises placing the food in a treatment container maintained at an ambient process temperature and pressure. Next, the gas mixture is injected into the treatment container. The gas mixture comprises about one percent oxygen and about 0.2 to 99 percent of a second gas comprising one gas selected from the group consisting of NO, N2O, He, H2, CO, CO2, N2, and Noble Gas (e.g., Ar, Kr, Xe, and Ne). The gas mixture is subjected to a treatment temperature and treatment pressure of the gas mixture in the container at a level sufficiently great that at least one gas in the gas mixture is maintained in the supercritical state. The treatment temperature and treatment pressure are maintained for a duration. The food is then ready for packaging.