Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a chocolate product involving the use of hydrated salt, hydrated sugar or hydrated sugar alcohol in the underlying chocolate mass and comprising the steps of refining, conching and optionally tempering of the chocolate mass. The invention further relates to a chocolate product comprising a chocolate mass comprising certain weight proportions of hydratable salt, hydratable sugar or hydratable sugar alcohol, as obtainable by the process of the invention.

Abstract: A grain-based, soft and creamy food filling that is heat-stable is provided. By one approach, the grain-based food filling may include a continuous lipid phase and a dispersed solid including a grain-derived component.

Abstract: A cookie or other food product which is designed to deliver a larger dose of cinnamon to a human user without significant introduction of food items detrimental to cinnamon's expected medicinal action and without an unpleasant taste sensation. The cookie is designed to be chewed as opposed to swallowed and the flavoring of the cinnamon is intended to enhance the cookie as opposed to the flavoring of the cinnamon being covered up or concealed by other flavorings.

Abstract: The present invention concerns flavoring substance-included compounds comprising or consisting of a polymer part and certain included flavoring substances. These flavoring substance-included compounds may be present in the form of mixtures with accompanying substances and possibly water. The present invention also concerns a method for producing flavoring substance-included compounds, the use of flavoring substance-included compounds according to the invention as a means of flavoring preparations or semi-finished products for nourishment or pleasure and corresponding preparations and semi-finished products for nourishment or pleasure.

Abstract: Foodstuffs such as cereals, vegetables or fruits can be sterilized and disinfected by simple short-time processing for preservation of them over an extended period of time without recourse to substances harmful to human bodies, and prevention of growth of mold. After a foodstuff is brought into contact with overheated steam having a temperature of 250° C. to 620° C., calcium oxide-containing powders are added to and mixed with it. The foodstuff may come into contact with overheated steam simultaneously with addition and mixing of the calcium oxide-containing powders. The time of contact of the foodstuff with overheated steam is preferably 20 seconds to 0.5 second. The calcium oxide-containing powders are preferably natural calcium oxide powders obtained by firing shells, coral, the nacreous layer, eggshells, or bones of animals, fishes or birds.

Abstract: Use of particles of insoluble water-absorbing food ingredient, such as dietary fibre, as carrier for a humectant, such as water of glycerol, for the introduction of the humectant into a chocolate product. Furthermore, a tropicalizing agent comprising discrete particles of insoluble food ingredient material, such as citrus fibre particles, loaded with water or humectant. That tropicalizing agent is dispersed in liquid fat, such as cocoa butter. The tropicalizing agent is used to make chocolate products heat resistant.

Abstract: A method of processing seed to nutritionally enhance food where after seeds are sanitized, washing and hydrated, the seeds are allowed a period of germination before the seeds are dried and cooled.

Abstract: A method of eliminating the off-flavor of soy beans, wherein the off-flavor of the soy beans is not related to geosmin, the method comprising: providing soy beans in a vacuum tumbler equipped with lifting ribs; tumbling the soy beans in a temperature range from about 0.5° C. to about 27° C. in an alternating environment of a vacuum and an acidic solution that is not hypotonic and does not comprise sodium, wherein the lifting of the ribs lift the soy beans completely out of the acidic solution when the soy beans are in the vacuum environment; and removing at least a portion of the moisture from the soy beans; wherein said process produces soy beans that have no-off flavor are free of trans fats and retain good flavor is described along with related products.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating produce to control microorganisms are provided. The method treats produce by contacting the surface of the produce with an aqueous solution comprising i) an organic peracid of the formula RC(O)OOH wherein R is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, or s-propyl; ii) a 2-hydroxy organic acid selected from tartaric acid, citric acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, and lactic acid; and (optionally) iii) an anionic surfactant; wherein the aqueous solution has a pH from 2.5 to 6.0.

Abstract: Acidic viscous solutions are described that can be introduced for the processing of perishable food to facilitate providing antimicrobial treatments. The solutions can have a viscosity from about 50 centipoise to about 10,000 centipoise. The solution generally does not add any significant nutritional or flavor contributions to the food product. The acidic viscous solutions can be particularly useful for improving the effectiveness of subsequent hypochlorous acid/hypochlorite or peroxide antimicrobial treatments.

Abstract: A feedstuff and a method for inhibiting the growth of pathogens in pelleted animal feeds which increases the efficiency of the pelleting process without introducing bad odors into the feed due to butyric acid. Active ingredients include a mixture of butyrate, propionate and surfactants.

Abstract: A pulse protein product, which may be an isolate, produces heat-stable solutions at low pH values and is useful for the fortification of acidic beverages such as soft drinks and sports drinks without precipitation of protein. The pulse protein product is obtained by extracting a pulse protein source material with an aqueous calcium salt solution to form an aqueous pulse protein solution, separating the aqueous pulse protein solution from residual pulse protein source, adjusting the pH of the aqueous pulse protein solution to a pH of about 1.5 to about 4.4 to produce an acidified pulse protein solution, which may be dried, following optional concentration and diafiltration, to provide the pulse protein product.

Abstract: Animal feed processing agents containing an azeotrope comprising water, an alcohol, and sodium stabilized by surrounding organized water. Methods of processing animal feed utilizing steam flaking in the presence of added agent comprising an alcohol, and sodium stabilized by surrounding organized water. An animal feed comprising an alcohol and sodium, wherein the grain of the feed is enriched in amylopectin, contains gelatinized starch, contains no added organic acids and is resistant to molds and fungi without added preservatives.

Abstract: A stabilized bran component and stabilized whole grain wheat flour containing the component are produced by subjecting a bran-enriched coarse fraction which contains bran, germ and starch to grinding or milling to reduce grittiness of the coarse fraction without substantially damaging the starch due to abrasion. The coarse fraction may be stabilized by heating to substantially reduce the lipase and lipoxygenase activity of the coarse fraction without substantial starch gelatinization. High levels of natural antioxidants and vitamins are retained while avoiding substantial acrylamide formation during the stabilization. The stabilized coarse fraction or stabilized bran component may be combined with a fine fraction which contains predominantly endosperm to obtain a stabilized whole grain wheat flour. The stabilized whole grain wheat flours and stabilized bran component exhibit extended shelf life and may be used for making baked goods, such as cookies, with desirable oven spread, and a non-gritty mouthfeel.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of preservation of a food product comprising the step of adding 1) a first component comprising between 10 ppm and 1% of a biocidal salt of N?—(C1-C22) alkanoyl di-basic amino acid alkyl (C1-C22) ester cationic biocidal molecule with an anionic counterion, and 2) a second component comprising from 10 ppm to 1% by weight an acyl monoglyceride, directly to a food product. The preferred cationic biocidal molecule comprises N?-lauroyl-L-arginine ethyl ester (“LAE”). The invention also discloses the method of preservation of a food product using salts of a N?—(C1-C22) alkanoyl di-basic amino acid alkyl (C1-C22) ester cationic biocidal molecule and an anionic counterion with or without a monoglyceride of a fatty acid, whereby the packaging film is compounded with the salts and the optional monoglyceride of a fatty acid.

Abstract: The present application describes a produce wash system for dispersing carbon dioxide into a liquid medium which includes a container containing carbon dioxide gas which is connected to another container or pipe capable of containing a liquid medium so that the gas from the first container is capable of being dispersed into the liquid medium of the second container or pipe.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating freshly harvested olives to substantially retain the quality of oil contained therewithin for enabling production of high quality olive oil from said treated olives at a prolonged time after harvest and treated freshly harvested olives with retained oil qualities characterized in that the oil extracted therefrom after a prolonged storage time meets the standards of the IOC for Virgin Olive Oils.

Abstract: Ultraviolet light stabilized antimicrobial compositions are formed from (A) and (B). (A) is (I) a solid-state microbiocidal compound having at least one bromine atom in the molecule; (II) an aqueous solution or slurry of (I); (III) is a concentrated aqueous antimicrobial composition having a dissolved active bromine content derived from (i) BrCl or BrCl and Br2 and (ii) overbased alkali metal sulfamate and/or sulfamic acid, alkali metal base, and water, (IV) solids made by dewatering a composition of (III). (B) is a ultraviolet light degradation-inhibiting amount of up to one part by weight of ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid and/or an edible water-soluble salt/ester thereof per part by weight of bromine in the selected antimicrobial composition. Preparation and uses of such compositions are described. Methods of controlling contamination of seafood and seafood products by pathogens are also described.

Abstract: A baking additive for enhancing the shelf-life and maintaining the volume of a baked product, and methods for producing and using the same. The baking additive comprises a blend of an non-encapsulated acidulate and an acidulate having a fat-based encapsulating coating that is degradable by heat. The combination of the encapsulated and non-encapsulated provides strategic release of the acidulates throughout the baking process such when the baking additive is added to a dry dough mix, the acidulates can sufficiently decrease the pH of the dry dough mix to prevent microbial contamination without interfering with glutton elasticity or the chemical leavening system.

Abstract: A flour improver for the production of doughs loosened by fermentation or physically loosened doughs for bakery products or for the production of flour, wherein the flour improver contains acid magnesium pyrophosphate (magnesium dihydrogen diphosphate) and at least magnesium orthophosphate and has a loss on ignition of between 7.5 and 13.5%, preferably between 9 and 11.5%.

Abstract: A kit for curing a food product includes a nitrite curing salt component (NPS) and a sugar substance component. The sugar substance component is a sucrose isomer composition. The sucrose isomer composition consists primarily of the sucrose isomers isomaltulose and trehalulose.

Abstract: A stabilized bran component and stabilized whole grain wheat flour containing the component are produced by subjecting a bran-enriched coarse fraction which contains bran, germ and starch to grinding or milling to reduce grittiness of the coarse fraction without substantially damaging the starch due to abrasion. The coarse fraction may be stabilized by heating to substantially reduce the lipase and lipoxygenase activity of the coarse fraction without substantial starch gelatinization. High levels of natural antioxidants and vitamins are retained while avoiding substantial acrylamide formation during the stabilization. The stabilized coarse fraction or stabilized bran component may be combined with a fine fraction which contains predominantly endosperm to obtain a stabilized whole grain wheat flour. The stabilized whole grain wheat flours and stabilized bran component exhibit extended shelf life and may be used for making baked goods, such as cookies, with desirable oven spread, and a non-gritty mouthfeel.

Abstract: In this disclosure there are provided processes for providing a Soy Protein Flour water dispersion with reduced viscosity. Also provided in the disclosure are Soy Protein Flour dispersions with reduced viscosity, and the use of Soy Protein Flour dispersions with reduced viscosity.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for inhibiting nicotinamide coenzyme degradation in a cereal flour or wheat based product, comprising the addition of an effective amount of nucleotide pyrophosphatase inhibitor to said cereal flour based product, product such as a wheat based product. A further aspect of the present invention is a nucleotide pyrophosphatase having an amino acid N-terminal sequence being (G)IDDRHEVDLPPRP. In another aspect of the present invention, a dough comprising a nucleotide pyrophosphatase inhibitor such as pyrophosphate, and optionally a coenzyme regeneration system comprising at least one NAD(P) or NAD(P)H dependent hydrogenase or dehydrogenase is disclosed. Preferably the coenzyme regeneration system comprises (consists of) mannitol dehydrogenase and D-fructose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for reducing baking losses, combination of modified wheat flour and at least one baking agent conventional in baking processes being used.

Abstract: Use of a powder comprising more than 40% by weight of sodium bicarbonate, for its acaricidal effects in the storage of cereals.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating grain, nut, or seed products and a method for conditioning grain in a milling process for decontamination and to produce an improved milled product which will yield baked goods, for example, of increased size and extended shelf life. In the decontamination and/or conditioning procedure, the grain, nut, or seed product is contacted with an aqueous anolyte product which can be undiluted or can be diluted with non-activated water. In undiluted form, the aqueous anolyte product preferably has a pH in the range of from about 4.5 to about 7.5 and a positive oxidation-reduction potential of at least +550 mV.

Abstract: Food products fortified by purified PQQ and methods of application and production are disclosed. A method of preserving a food product comprising admixing an effective amount of purified PQQ or a compound containing purified PQQ derivatives with a foodstuff to provide an inhibiting means to microorganism growth in the food product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including peroxyacetic acid and peroxyoctanoic acid and methods for preventing microbial growth in aqueous streams including the step of applying a composition of the invention to the stream. The compositions and methods can control microbial growth in aqueous streams used for transporting or processing food products.

Abstract: A method of producing an animal feed product from a wet biological material, having a physical form selected from solutions, suspensions, emulsions, gums, mousses, sludges, slurries, and particulate materials, includes the step of combining the biological material with a base comprising a metal oxide in an amount which is sufficient to heat the biological material to a temperature of above 50° C. by reaction of water in the biological material with the metal oxide to produce the animal feed product. The product has a physical form which is easier to handle than that of the wet biological material and is selected from particulate materials and, granular materials. The base is preferably calcium oxide.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel processing methods for green coffee beans that result in novel green coffee bean products, including products that incorporate whole green coffee beans. Methods include selecting whole coffee beans in their fresh green unroasted state with naturally-occurring levels of phytonutrients, sterilizing and drying them, applying iterative grinding processes and stabilization techniques, all while avoiding high temperatures. Whole green coffee bean products created and defined by these methods have unexpectedly been found to increase focus and concentration in users, and are believed useful in the treatment of attention and concentration deficits and related disorders, such as attention deficit (AD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and various related and/or comorbid disorders.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for making dough- and batter-based bakery foods, such as bread and cake having extremely long, mold-free and freshness shelf lives, by using a novel antimicrobial pan release agent comprising an essential oil dispersed or dissolved in a fat- or oil-based carrier, along with other natural or chemical antimicrobial agents, anti-staling enzymes, and/or flavor enhancement systems. The invention is also directed to the methods and compositions for preparing all-natural dough- and batter-based bakery products, such as bread and cake having long mold-free shelf lives, by treating the surface of the dough, batter, or baked product with the antimicrobial pan release agent, in conjunction with anti-staling enzymes and natural preservatives in the dough or batter formulations.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for the reduction of afla- and ochratoxin contamination of cereal, nut, fruit and spice plants and/or plant material from cereals, nuts, fruits and spices before or after harvest or during storage and during storage, in particular genetically modified cereals, nuts, fruits and spices by the use of one or a combination of two or more fungicidally active compounds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which flowers or food products are treated for the elimination of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria, the scavenging of free radicals that cause oxidative decay, the enhancement of flavor, the stabilization of fats, and the extension of shelf life that consists of alternately exposing the product to a vacuum environment and a saline solution containing organic acids for a predetermined period of time, including such method and means that includes automated devices that is pre-programmed to maximize effectiveness of the process for its intended purpose while minimizing any associated damage to the processed product.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oil-and-fat composition suitable for the coating with a tempered chocolate, particularly suitable for the enrobing with the chocolate. Also disclosed is a low-fat tempered chocolate suitable for coating, particularly enrobing. Specifically disclosed is an oil-and-fat composition which has a content of an oleoyldipalmitin (P2O) component of 70 to 85% by mass, which contains a symmetric triglyceride 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoylglycerin (POP) in the oleoyldipalmitin (P2O) component at a ratio of the amount of 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoylglycerin (POP) to the amount of the oleoyldipalmitin (P2O) component [(POP)/(P2O)] of 0.95 or more by mass, and which has a content of tripalmitin (PPP) of 2 to 6% by mass. The oil-and-fat composition is added to a tempered chocolate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of wheat flour for reducing baking losses. The wheat flour can comprise genetically or chemically phosphorylated starch.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes or methods for the production of compositions comprising extracts of black beans containing phenolics, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, phytosterols, and triterpenoids such as saponins and other natural products with proven antioxidant capacity, colorant capacity, and uses thereof, e.g., as antioxidants, nutritional supplements, as food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical antioxidants or colorants, as antineoplastic or anti-cancer or anti-tumor preparations, e.g., to treat, prevent and/or inhibit cancers or cancer cell growth, such as hormone dependent or hormone independent tumors or cancers or cancer cells. such as mammalian mammary, prostate, colon, hepatic, leukemia cancer or cancer cell growth, as active ingredient(s) in compositions for lowering cholesterol or lowering oxidation of LDL or for inhibiting cholesterol synthesis (or the enzyme therefor), as an active ingredient(s) in compositions, e.g., nutritional supplements.

Abstract: High colicin producing bacteria strains are produced by introducing into a host cell multiple copies of a plasmid containing a colicin gene. A suitable host cell is a bacterium strain, Escherichia coli K-12 and examples of plasmids are pColE1-K53 or pColN-284.

Abstract: The invention relates to acidified cocoa nibs, wherein the nibs comprise at least 20 mg/g of polyphenols, preferably more than 30 mg/g of polyphenols, most preferably from 40 to 60 mg/g of polyphenols, cocoa refiner or expeller flakes, liquor, cakes, and cocoa powder obtainable from the nibs and a process for producing cocoa-derived material, comprising the steps of: (i) treating cocoa nibs obtained from beans or seeds which have a higher polyphenol content than fermented cocoa beans with an acid; and (ii) optionally drying the nibs.

Abstract: Nuts, grains, seeds and other dry or dried foodstuffs are disinfected by a process that entails infusion with gaseous ozone and treatment with liquid non-ozone disinfectant, each treatment being preceded by a decompression of the foodstuffs to a pressure below atmospheric and each treatment utilizing an inert gas to achieve the exposure to the treatment agents at a pressure above atmospheric. The process achieves control of infestations at substantially all stages of the life cycle of pests, bacteria, and mold byproducts with which the product may be infested, and can do so in less than an hour.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for inhibiting nicotinamide coenzyme degradation in a cereal flour or wheat based product, comprising the addition of an effective amount of nucleotide pyrophosphatase inhibitor to said cereal flour based product, product such as a wheat based product. A further aspect of the present invention is a nucleotide pyrophosphatase having an amino acid N-terminal sequence being (G)IDDRHEVDLPPRP. In another aspect of the present invention, a dough comprising a nucleotide pyrophosphatase inhibitor such as pyrophosphate, and optionally a coenzyme regeneration system comprising at least one NAD(P) or NAD(P)H dependent hydrogenase or dehydrogenase is disclosed. Preferably the coenzyme regeneration system comprises (consists of) mannitol dehydrogenase and D-fructose.

Abstract: A baking additive for enhancing the shelf-life and maintaining the volume of a baked product, and methods for producing and using the same. The baking additive comprises a blend of an non-encapsulated acidulate and an acidulate having a fat-based encapsulating coating that is degradable by heat. The combination of the encapsulated and non-encapsulated provides strategic release of the acidulates throughout the baking process such when the baking additive is added to a dry dough mix, the acidulates can sufficiently decrease the pH of the dry dough mix to prevent microbial contamination without interfering with glutton elasticity or the chemical leavening system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cold infusion process for fortifying corn and/or soybeans with one or more vitamin, non-vitamin, mineral, non-mineral, botanical, hormone, herb, neutraceutical, lipid, carbohydrate, amino acid, acid, salt, prebiotic, or probiotic functional additives. This invention also discloses an infused corn and/or soybean produced by the process of infusing the corn and/or soybean at a temperature of less than about 120° F. with a solution comprising water, a bridge initiator for acid salt bias, fortifying agent(s), and an acid in a quantity sufficient to reach a pH of about 3.65. Further, this invention provides a method for the infusion of a corn and/or soybean with at least one fortifying agent at approximately room temperature.

Abstract: A feedstuff and a method for inhibiting the growth of pathogens in pelleted animal feeds which increases the efficiency of the pelleting process without introducing bad odors into the feed due to butyric acid. Active ingredients include a mixture of butyrate, propionate and surfactants.

Abstract: Food safety and longevity of still respiring fruit or vegetable pieces are enhanced reliant on a treatment process where the cut surfaces (preferably cleaned of cell debrit) are subjected to both UV light irradiation and heating so as, in concert, render the surfaces more sterile. The heating also has the effect of reducing ethylene production and at least depressing respiration. Such a process is preferably in addition to an anti-oxidant impregnation. The overall process in its preferred forms significantly extends the life and apparent freshness of, for example, apple slices when kept post treatment (eg; 25 days) over the temperature range of from 0° C. to 8° C.

Abstract: A stabilized bran component and a stabilized whole grain flour containing the component are produced by subjecting a bran-enriched coarse fraction which contains bran, germ and starch to grinding or milling to reduce grittiness of the coarse fraction without substantially damaging the starch due to abrasion. The coarse fraction may be stabilized by heating to substantially reduce the lipase and lipoxygenase activity of the coarse fraction without substantial gelatinization of the starch. High levels of natural antioxidants and vitamins are retained while avoiding substantial acrylamide formation during the stabilization. The stabilized coarse fraction or stabilized bran component may be combined with a fine fraction which contains predominantly endosperm to obtain a stabilized whole grain flour. The stabilized whole grain flours and the stabilized bran component exhibit extended shelf life and may be used for making baked goods, such as cookies, with desirable oven spread, and a non-gritty mouthfeel.

Abstract: The present invention provides fried Chinese dumplings, such as fried jiao-zi, shao-mai, won-ton, and steamed bread, unfried Chinese dumplings, and methods for producing the same, wherein deterioration of the crispness of their browned skin is sufficiently inhibited after the dumplings are fried, even when a certain period of time is passed after frying, or even when the dumplings are stored in a frozen state. The unfried Chinese dumpling of the present invention has a crispness deterioration inhibitor provided on the external surface of the dough sheet for inhibiting deterioration with time of crispness of the dough sheet after the dumpling is fried. The inhibitor comprising grain powders and a starch hydrolysate (A-1) in powder form having a bulk density of not lower than 3.0 ml/g.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a microbiocidal aqueous formulation comprising: (i) an effective amount of at least one essential oil component, or derivatives thereof, said derivatives thereof obtained by exposure to light or by oxidation, or mixtures thereof; and (ii) at least one additional stabilizer selected from the group consisting of ethanol in an amount of from 10% to about 50%, an emulsifier, an antioxidant, or an encapsulating agent. The invention is further directed to a method for inhibiting microbial development using said microbiocidal aqueous formulation.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating grain, nut, or seed products and a method for conditioning grain in a milling process for decontamination and to produce an improved milled product which will yield baked goods, for example, of increased size and extended shelf life. In the decontamination and/or conditioning procedure, the grain, nut, or seed product is contacted with an aqueous anolyte product which can be undiluted or can be diluted with non-activated water. In undiluted form, the aqueous anolyte product preferably has a pH in the range of from about 4.5 to about 7.5 and a positive oxidation-reduction potential of at least +550 mV.

Abstract: Improved methods are provided for the treatment of foods to inhibit microbial growth therein, by the applying to or incorporating into the food a quantity of an alkali or alkaline earth metal salt of levulinic acid. The salts may be topically applied by spraying or dipping, or can be incorporated into the foods such as comminuted meat products. Preferred antimicrobial agents are the sodium and potassium salts of levulinic acid, applied or incorporated at a level of from about 0.5-4% by weight. A variety of foods may be treated in accordance with the invention, such as human foods (e.g., meats and cheeses) or animal foods (pet foods).