Abstract: The resistance to caking of normally hygroscopic materials, such as spray-dried hydrolyzed vegetable protein, upon exposure to high humidity conditions may be improved by increasing the average minimum dimension of the hygroscopic material and a carrier material to 125 to 2,000 microns.

Abstract: A method to extend the shelf-life, reduce the microbial load, and enhance product appearance and quality in leafy vegetables or other fresh commodities of the like comprising applying directly to the leafy vegetable a stabilized aqueous alkali or alkaline earth metal hypobromite solution.

Abstract: A throat drop comprises from 60% to 95% of an edible shell and from 5% to 40% of an aqueous filling, by weight of the drop. The filling contains a throat relief agent, from 8% to 95%, by weight, water and from 0.001% to 10%, by weight, of a vesicle-forming agent which encapsulates the throat relief agents with vesicles which are dispersed within the filling. The vesicles have a number average particle size of from about 1 to about 100 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The present invention provides inter alia, isolated “sculpin-type intracellular AFPs” from shorthorn sculpin and their corresponding nucleic acids. The sculpin-type intracellular AFPs are alanine-rich polypeptides that are synthesized in the peripheral tissues such as the skin and gills of fish. These skin-type AFPs are encoded by a distinct set of AFP genes that lack a signal peptide, which is indicative of their intracellular location. The polypeptides are used to make cells cold resistant and to improve the palatability of cold foods and liquids. Cold resistant eukaryotes and prokaryotes, including plants, animals and bacteria are made using the sculpin-type intracellular antifreeze polypeptides and nucleic acids. Moreover, the present invention provides methods for preserving cells, tissues and organs ex vivo using the AFPs described herein.

Abstract: A method and formulation for stabilizing fruit concentrate powders, using stabilizing substrates such as magnesium salt, citric acid, and gum, in a vacuum drying system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a low pH, nutritionally balanced food composition which has extended shelf life, high antimicrobial activity, and which includes casein proteins and a method manufacturing same.

Abstract: Refrigerated cultured dairy products such as yogurt having enhanced anti-mold stability are prepared by including minute quantities of a cultured dairy ingredient having been cultured with a propionic acid forming culture. The propionic bearing cultured dairy ingredient such as whey is added to a milk base that is then heat treated prior to inoculation and fermentation with a yogurt culture. Premature protein coagulation that can occur during the heat treatment step is minimized by adding minute quantities of a calcium sequestrant to the milk base.

Abstract: Provided are soup or sauce base concentrates which are ambient stable concentrates which yield, upon dilution with an aqueous liquid, a finished sauce, soup or gravy. Ambient stability is helped by a low water activity wherein the soup or sauce base concentrate includes at least on water activity lowering component such that the composition has a water activity of below 0.92 and where salt and starch are present in the soup or sauce base concentrate in a ratio of at least 1:0.5 to at most 1:7.

Abstract: A sprout inhibitor for potatoes is introduced into a potato storage facility as a gas phase carried in an air stream. The liquid sprout inhibitor may be heated prior to injection into a flowing air stream or a large surface area of the liquid sprout inhibitor may be exposed to the air stream to induce evaporation of the inhibitor into a gaseous phase. Sprout inhibitors such as dimethylnaphthalene (DMN) and trimethylnaphthalene are especially suitable for introduction to potato storage sheds by thermal fogging or evaporative fogging. A method and composition to promote healing of freshly dug potatoes are further disclosed. Treatment of freshly dug potatoes with DMN either prior to or immediately after storage promotes rapid healing of cuts, abrasions and similar injuries to the potatoes. Stored potatoes first treated with DMN may be later advantageously treated with low levels of CIPC for effective sprout inhibition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to products, including preservative systems and compositions (e.g., foods, beverages, health care products, personal care products, herbicidal products, and containment devices). The products comprise a constituent comprising an isothiocyanate compound. The products may further comprise a preservative selected from sorbate preservatives, benzoate preservatives, and mixtures thereof. The present invention further relates to methods of preserving products comprising incorporating the foregoing preservative systems into such products.

Abstract: A liquid preservative solution and method for extending the shelf life of tortillas and like products made from corn flour or wheat flour is proposed. The preservative solution contains propionic acid, phosphoric acid and a substance for inhibiting the growth of yeast or bacteria. In a preferred embodiment the yeast and bacteria inhibiting substance is benzoic acid. The preservative solution is antimicrobial in nature, and delays spoiling by retarding or preventing the growth of mold, bacteria, and yeast. The preservative solution has a fresh slightly sweet after-taste.

Abstract: The present inventive subject matter is directed to novel chewable prenatal nutritional supplements which contain vitamin C, as well as novel methods for providing optimal vitamin C supplementation to pregnant women. The present invention is also directed to novel compositions and methods for providing nutritional supplementation to individuals planning to conceive a child.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a dough or a baked product from the dough which process involves incorporating into the dough an anti-staling amylase and a phospholipase. The bread made by the combined use of an anti-staling amylase and a phospholipase has improved softness, both when eaten on the same day and when stored for several days after baking. There is no significant change in the taste or smell of the baked product.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to develop an agent to keep proper moisture, improve the mouth-feeling and preserve freshness of cells and protein-containing-materials which does not cause any side-effect. This object can be accomplished by contacting cells or protein-containing materials with an organic acid fermentation liquid which has been adjusted to pH6-10 by adding a carbonate.

Abstract: A process of preserving food comprises adding serine, especially L-serine, to food. According to the present invention, provided is a convenient process of preserving food for a long term by adding serine to food, in particular by performing a heat treatment after the addition of serine to food. Since serine is one kind of amino acids, it does not deteriorate quality of food itself and can preserve food safely.

Abstract: A method of controlling at least one browning reaction in a food, which entails effecting at least part of the reaction in the presence of at least one noble gas, a mixture of noble gases or a gaseous mixture containing at least one noble gas, thereby controlling the browning reaction.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation of volatile aldehydes including their related compounds and/or the decomposition of fatty acids including their related compounds by incorporating trehalose and/or maltitol. Using the method, compositions such as foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals comprising fatty acids can be prepared and stably stored for a relatively-long period of time without fear of forming volatile aldehydes and/or decomposing the fatty acids.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a food ingredient of anhydrous milk fat and an effective amount of vegetable fat to enhance the oxidative stability of the anhydrous milk fat.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to enhance the softness of baked products and retard staling. The method is based on the use of structurally expanded cellulose which is incorporated into the dough during mixing to increase the water absorption of the dough without imparting stickiness. The ability to supersaturate the dough without detrimental impact on processability results in softer character and better grain of the baked product. These properties are maintained over time resulting in reduced staling and superior quality of sliced product.

Abstract: A process for preparing fruits of plants in the family Solanaceae, genus capsicum is provided. The process includes the step of boiling the fruits for a period of less than 300 seconds in a solution of a sweetener such as sugar in an acideous liquid such as vinegar.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stable preservation method of a powdered soft drink preparation, which includes adding 0.2 to 1.0% by weight of a calcium oxide and 0.02 to 2.0% by weight of a particulate silicon dioxide in the powdered soft drink preparation containing a carbohydrate and a sour agent as a main component. The powdered soft drink preparation of the present invention maintains the original powder state, color and taste, which are obtained immediately after the production, for a long period of time without causing comparatively rapid coagulation of powders, discoloration and change in taste at the time of preservation.

Abstract: A method and additive for enhancing the shelf life of food products is disclosed. The additive comprises a combination of a diluent fat with a plant-derived phytosterol to produce a plasticized blend agent. The plasticized blend agent can be incorporated into the formulation for a wide variety of prepared food products without negatively altering the taste characteristics of the foods products or the manufacturability of the food product. Incorporation of the plasticized blend agent into the food products provides an enhanced and more stable shelf life for the food product. The plasticized blend agent of the present disclosure offers a naturally derived product that significantly enhances the shelf life of food products, especially baked goods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating fruit and vegetables after harvesting, using, as plant-protection treatment composition, the mixture with water of the reaction medium resulting from the implementation of steps of purification of a plant-protection product contaminated with impurities of aromatic primary amine type. The process contains the steps of: a) the placing in contact with stirring, at a temperature between 15 and 25° C., of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal nitrite with an organic solution prepared by dissolving the said plant-protection product to be purified in a solvent chosen from a nonionic surfactant, a C2-C12 glycol and mixtures thereof; b) the addition of a strong inorganic acid to the resulting reaction medium, while stirring at the said temperature; c) followed by heating of the reaction medium to a temperature of between 30 and 70° C.

Abstract: There is provided a method for retarding bacterial growth in foods by adding plant extracts. Also provided is a bacterial growth inhibitor for foods containing a plant extract. A method for isolating nitrate-resistant bacteria with nitrate reductase activity by growing nitrate-resistant bacterial and nitrate rich media is also provided. Also provided is a method of measurement by utilizing nitrate-resistant bacteria with high nitrate reductase activity.

Abstract: A method for treating a perishable meat product including the steps of chilling the meat product to within a selected temperature range, exposing the chilled meat product to a chilled gas mixture containing a significant fraction of inert gas, and thereafter removing the chilled gas and exchanging that gas with a gas mixture containing a high oxygen fraction.

Abstract: Fresh produce is preserved by coating the exterior surface of the produce with a coating composition comprising an aqueous solution of from about 0.5 to about 4 percent by weight of a cellulose derivative, preferably sodium carboxymethylcellulose, from about 0.05 to about 0.5 percent by weight of konjac, and from about 0.03 to about 0.1 percent by weight of surfactant, preferably dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate. Optional constituents include antimicrobials, plasticizers and antifoaming agents. The coating composition is effective to control respiratory exchange, i.e., the passage of gases, particularly oxygen, ethylene, carbon dioxide and water vapor, into and out of the produce, thereby to control maturation and ripening of the produce.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydroxy acid or a product containing thereof and a product made containing the same. The invention is characterized by the use of the hydroxy acid as a feed additive, either alone or in combination with other useful compounds or a product containing the same.

Abstract: A preserving agent for foods and drinks which contains water-soluble hemicellulose as an effective component, a preserving agent containing (A) water-soluble hemicellulose and (B) one or more selected from the group consisting of ethanol, glycine, glucono-deltalactone, sorbic acid, peroxybenzoic acid, benzoic acid, dehydroacetic acid, hypochlorous acid and their salts, organic acids such as acetic acid, fumaric acid, adipic acid, propionic acid and their salts, lower fatty acid esters, sugar esters, polylysine, protamine, lysozyme, mustard extract, horseradish extract, bleached flour, chitosan and phytic acid as effective components, and a preserving method which employs the preserving agent in food and drink products.

Abstract: A method for the steam treatment of beans in which beans are inserted into a chamber (1). Steam at high pressures (“pressure” hereinafter indicates a gauge pressure) of 5 to 7 Kg/cm2, and at high temperatures 158 to 169° C. is jetted into the chamber. Beans in chamber (1) are exposed to the saturated steam at high pressures of 5 to 7 Kg/cm2 and high temperatures of 158 to 169° C. for a period of 15 to 30 seconds so that boiling of beans achieved in a sterilized state.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition includes a mixture of one or more carboxylic acids having up to 18 carbon atoms and one or more peroxycarboxylic acids having up to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a mixture of a C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acid. Also described is a novel antimicrobial composition adapted for sanitizing meat product containing a mixture of one or more C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acids and one or more C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acids and an alpha-hydroxy mono- or dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: Refrigerated cultured dairy products such as yogurt having enhanced anti-mold stability are prepared by including minute quantities of a cultured dairy ingredient having been cultured with a propionic acid forming culture. The propionic bearing cultured dairy ingredient such as whey is added to a milk base that is then heat treated prior to inoculation and fermentation with a yogurt culture. Premature protein coagulation that can occur during the heat treatment step is minimized by adding minute quantities of a calcium sequestrant to the milk base.

Abstract: A process is provided for treating food products in order to reduce or eliminate the detrimental effects of the presence of oxygen in the atmosphere which is in contact with the products and, more particularly, the external surface of the products. A non-zero quantity of oxygen is extracted from the atmosphere by implementing a solid electrolyte which is an O2− ion conductor and is essentially impermeable to the gases. The invention has applicability to preserving frying oil baths.

Abstract: A stable composition containing milk, fruit or vegetable juice, gum-based stabilizers, and a composition containing an amino acid, an organic acid or inorganic acid, and a metal ion is disclosed. The composition is useful as a stable beverage with a pH from 3.0 to 7.0, preferably 3.0 to 4.6.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the decontamination of agricultural products by reacting the toxins and microorganisms, contaminating the product, with ozone. The ozone is generated on site and upon demand, thus eliminating ozone waste associated with long periods of ozone storage. The systems of the invention provide efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly use of ozone for product decontamination by optimizing the delivery of ozone to the contaminated product, monitoring and controlling the pressure in the treatment systems, monitoring and controlling the heat generated during the treatment of contaminated product with ozone, and controlling ozone release into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Fresh produce is preserved by coating the exterior surface of the produce with a coating composition comprising an aqueous solution of from about 1 to about 20 percent by weight of substantially hydrolyzed cold water insoluble polyvinyl alcohol, about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight of low molecular weight cold water soluble starch, and about 0.03 to about 5 percent by weight of surfactant. Optional constituents include antimicrobials and plasticizers. The coating composition is effective to control respiratory exchange, i.e., the passage of gases, particularly oxygen, ethylene and carbon dioxide, into and out of the produce, thereby to control maturation and ripening of the produce.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing fruits or vegetables having an extended shelf life and/or a reduces level of bacterial contamination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a leavened baked good including alkali metal bisulfate and a substance capable of releasing gas upon reaction with the alkali metal bisulfate to leaven the baked good.

Abstract: A process for infusion-drying carrots comprises immersing the carrots in a circulating bath of infusion syrup, the infusion syrup comprising water and infusion solids, the infusion solids comprising at least 20 weight percent corn syrup and the balance, if any, sugar, until the carrots attain a Brix from about 25 degrees to about 50 degrees, separating the infused carrots from the infusion syrup, and drying the infused carrots, by directing a stream of hot air over and through the infused carrots, the hot air having a temperature from about 140 degrees F. to about 200 degrees F., until the infusion-dried carrots attain a water activity from about 0.30 to about 0.63.

Abstract: A method of producing and using a solution for extending the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables after they are harvested which includes the steps of extracting juice from fruits or vegetables, filtering the juice, disintegrating the peel, extracting enzyme from the disintegrated peels using a solvent without denaturing the enzymes, removing the disintegrated peels and mixing the remaining ingredients with the extracted juice.

Abstract: A foodstuff having selected flavorant/antimicrobial compounds in an amount sufficient to result in a microbiologically stable foodstuff.

Abstract: Described is a method of sanitizing meat product using aqueous streams having an antimicrobial composition added to the stream. Preferably, the antimicrobial composition includes a mixture of one or more carboxylic acids having up to 18 carbon atoms and one or more peroxycarboxylic acids having up to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a mixture of a C.sub.2-4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C.sub.8-12 peroxycarboxylic acid.

Abstract: In the disclosed treatment of foods or foodstuffs (particularly liquid and semi-liquid or semi-solid foods and solid foods such as meats and stews), the food or foodstuff is subjected to very high hydrostatic pressures in the presence of a saccharide ester (e.g. sucrose mono-, di-, and/or tri-C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 -fatty acid esters) at temperatures above 35.degree. C. but preferably below 60.degree. C. for a relatively short period of time (less than 60 minutes). This treatment is effective in essentially eliminating sporeforming organisms, whether in the form of spores or in the vegetative state.

Abstract: Described is a method of sanitizing animal carcasses using aqueous streams having an antimicrobial composition added to the stream. Preferably, the antimicrobial composition includes a mixture of one or more carboxylic acids having up to 18 carbon atoms and one or more peroxycarboxylic acids having up to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a mixture of a C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 peroxycarboxylic acid. Also described is a novel antimicrobial composition adapted for sanitizing animal carcasses containing a mixture of one or more C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 peroxycarboxylic acids and one or more C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 peroxycarboxylic acids and an alpha-hydroxy mono- or dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: An improved process for preserving the product quality of lychee fruit, particularly the pericarp color comprising the following steps; (i) treating fresh lychee fruit with cold water; (ii) treating the lychee fruit with hot water; (iii) treating the lychee fruit with hydrochloric acid; (iv) drying the liquid on the fruit.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing fresh produce (e.g. onions) comprising contacting the produce with an aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent (e.g. hydrogen peroxide) under a pressure of at least 25 psig for sufficient time to significantly reduce the microbiological count.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing temperature-sensitive, shelf-stable, high-acid or acidified, tomato-based food products. From about 0.000125% to about 0.00125% nisin, and in preferred embodiments from about 0.00025% to about 0.0005% nisin, based on the weight of the food product, is first mixed with the tomato-base. Other ingredients, such as pieces of fresh tomatoes, onions, bell peppers and the like are then combined with the nisin-containing mixture. The combination is then heat-treated at a temperature less than about 180.degree. F.

Abstract: Described is a method of sanitizing animal carcasses using an antimicrobial composition. Preferably, the antimicrobial composition includes a mixture of one or more carboxylic acids having up to 18 carbon atoms and one or more peroxycarboxylic acids having up to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a mixture of a C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 peroxycarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A method for green color retention and texture improvement in vegetables by blanching raw or IQF green vegetables in an aqueous zinc blanch solution for three minutes or less, wherein the aqueous blanch solution has a zinc ion concentration of at least about 500 ppm. The vegetables may then be containerized and sterilized, frozen or dried. The zinc-blanched and frozen or dried vegetables may be sold as ingredients to the food industry, or they may be containerized and sterilized in brine, or in complex products, such as soups, sauces, or any other thermally processed products.

Abstract: A method for preparing frozen par-fried potato strips comprising about 32% to about 52% moisture which remain fresh tasting after storage at about 0.degree. F. (-17.8.degree. C.). The method comprises peeling, trimming and cutting raw potatoes into strips, blanching, and reducing the moisture content of the potato strips to not less than about 54% followed by, par-frying the potato strips in oil for a time sufficient to reduce the moisture of the potato strips to a final moisture content of from about 32% to about 52%. Thereafter, the par-fried potato strips are frozen. The frozen par-fried potato strips have reduced levels of 2,5-dimethyl pyrazine and relatively high levels of 2,4-decandienal. When cooked, the finished French fries have improved flavor over conventional oven baked fries.

Abstract: An antibacterial composition obtained by reacting formaldehyde and a compound having two NH moieties. The product is used to protect food and other items from contamination by E. coli 0157:H7 and other bacteria.