Abstract: A method of processing meat is described. Embodiments of the method include treating a surface of intact meat while leaving a portion of an interior of the piece of intact meat uncooked. Surface treatment can reduce microorganism abundance on the surface. The surface-treated intact meat is subsequently ground. Surface-treatment includes, but is not limited to, heating the surface, irradiating the surface with ionizing or non-ionizing radiation, or treating the surface with an antimicrobial chemical. The surface-treatment prevents or reduces infusing microorganisms throughout the ground meat during grinding, resulting in ground meat that is safe for human consumption without being thoroughly cooked. Accordingly, hamburger or other ground meat can be served rare or otherwise undercooked and be safe for human consumption.

Abstract: A centrifuge has an inner and an outer screw. The outer screw transfers material towards a cone-shaped section that leads to an outlet of the centrifuge. A mixture of meat components, liquid carbon dioxide, gas, and optionally water, is spun in the centrifuge. The dense components, such as lean meat, will accumulate away from the axis of rotation and be transferred by the outer screw towards the cone-shaped section. The less dense components, such as fat and adipose tissue, accumulate toward the center of rotation, and are transferred toward an outlet of the centrifuge via the inner screw. Gas accumulates in the proximity of the cone-shaped section and impedes liquid carbon dioxide from exiting with the dense components. The centrifuge is pressurized, which maintains carbon dioxide as a liquid.

Abstract: The rocker chiller 10 includes a semi-cylindrical tank 12 filled with heat exchanging liquid and a baffle assembly 18 that rocks back and forth across the bottom wall of the tank. The baffle 26 of the baffle assembly 18 defines baffle openings 29 that are sized and shaped to pass the heat exchanging liquid through the openings in response to the rocking of the baffle, but small enough so that the baffle engages and retards the movement of at least some of the carcasses from moving through the baffle, thereby massaging the carcasses and increasing the moisture retained in the carcasses.

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 methods for reducing microbial contamination on poultry, or on surfaces used in processing poultry, employing compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, and to the compositions. The methods include applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to poultry or to the surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the preparation of a cured seafood surimi product comprising: providing raw fish surimi; mixing the raw surimi with an alkali metal lactate in an amount of 0.1 to 10% (w/w), and an additional ingredient as desired; curing the mixture of raw fish surimi, alkali metal lactate and additional ingredient; and, optionally, further processing the cured surimi product. The alkali metal lactate preferably is potassium lactate. The alkali metal lactate improves the texture of the cured seafood surimi product.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of processing meat. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of processing meat to enhance moisture retention and flavor during storage and cooking by infusing the meat with an aqueous composition containing salt and sodium carbonate at a pH in the range of from 10.1 to 11.3.

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 C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acid. Also described is a novel antimicrobial composition adapted for sanitizing animal carcasses 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: 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 C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acid. Also described is a novel antimicrobial composition adapted for sanitizing animal carcasses 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: A method includes producing a flowing sheet of comminuted foodstuff and then exposing the flowing sheet of material to a processing fluid in at least one of the major surfaces of the sheet. The transverse dimension of the flowing sheet of material may be generally equal to a dimension of the foodstuff pieces making up the comminuted foodstuff. The processing fluid may enter the sheet of material through one or both of the opposing surfaces used to form the sheet. Discrete openings may be formed through a wall of material used to form one of the major surfaces of the flowing sheet of material, and the processing fluid may be applied through such discrete openings. The processing fluid may also be applied through a porous and permeable material included in, or making up, a wall used to form one of the major surfaces of the flowing sheet of material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing treated meat having a predetermined proportion of water in a container. The method includes treating meat that has lost water content through evaporation with an agent capable of killing bacteria together with an amount of water, wherein the amount of water corresponds to the amount of water that is lost through evaporation. The method provides meat being treated with a bactericidal agent as well as also providing meat with the predetermined amount of water for packaging.

Abstract: Methods of processing four-legged slaughter animals for consumption as meat and/or meat product(s) are described. The methods comprise I) contacting exterior surfaces of the live animal at least once with a microbiocidal solution formed from mixing together at least (i) water and (ii) at least one N,N?-bromochloro-5,5-dialkylhydantoin, such contacting occurring at least once when the animal is en route to being slaughtered but before it is killed by exsanguination; or II) contacting the carcass of the animal, after exsanguination, with a microbiocidal solution formed from mixing together at least (i) water and (ii) at least one N,N?-bromochloro-5,5-dialkylhydantoin or III) contacting at least one raw meat product and/or at least one processed meat product derived from the carcass. The contacting can be done one or more times in each of I), II), and III). Considerable advantages, which are described, are realized when using such methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a jerky food product. The method comprises: (a) preparing a raw meat to obtain a moldable meat dough; (b) contacting at least a portion of the meat dough with a jerky mold apparatus having a pre-determined geometric configuration, wherein a plurality of sectors are spatially separated and defined by supported partitions arranged in a pre-determined pattern; (c) causing at least one of the partitions of the jerky mold to impale the meat dough to dispose portions of the meat dough into at least one of the sectors, thus separating the meat dough into a plurality of meat segments having a size and shape corresponding to that of the sectors; (d) removing the meat segments from the jerky mold; and (e) treating the meat segments to produce a plurality of jerky pieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel protective cultures, containing lactic acid-producing bacteria for preserving foodstuffs or animal feed, which can only be conserved for a limited period of time, even under refrigeration. The protective cultures can inhibit the growth of bacteria which are dangerous to the consumer, if the cold chain is interrupted, or if the prescribed cooling temperature is exceeded. The invention further relates to foodstuffs or animal feed which contain the inventive protective cultures. The strain Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis 1526 is specifically provided.

Abstract: A method and composition for reducing microbes during a meat processing operation are provided. The composition includes an acid blend that is a blend of (a) an organic acid selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, acetic acid, and mixtures thereof, and (b) a second material selected from the group consisting of alkali metal salts of an inorganic acids, mineral acids, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a crab meat substitute from shark—prionace glauca—meat wherein a product is obtained having quality, taste, odor, color and appearance similar to crab meat. It can use blue shark meat as raw material, which is a widely distributed shark around the world without restrictions. The raw material is freshly stored and shredded. It has a larger volume in the manufacturing process. It can be commercialized both preserved and frozen. The quality and final taste is almost identical to that of crab meat.

Abstract: A foodstuff treatment composition, particularly for the treatment of meat, meat products, fish and seafood products, the composition comprising a combination of sodium lactate and/or potassium lactate and at least one sodium and/or potassium phosphate salt, and the composition is in the form of a powder, granules, a slurry or a paste.

Abstract: In a method of chilling slaughtered poultry or parts thereof, the poultry is conveyed through a chilling room, or at least through a part of said chilling room, and in the process is exposed to a stream of chilling air. During the chilling of the poultry the skin of the poultry is moistened. The skin of the poultry is moistened by spraying it with water in a spray area that is separated from the stream of chilling air.

Abstract: A method for reducing the incidence of Salmonella in harvested poultry comprising treating the poultry with an effective antimicrobial solution comprising a blend of lactic and citric acids in proportions containing a predominance of lactic acid down to a minimum of about 40:40 wt./wt. lactic acid to citric acid, and preferably ranging down to about 45:35 wt./wt. lactic acid to citric acid; and the pH of the solution is less than about 3.2.

Abstract: “1-MONOPROPIONINE COMPOUND AND ITS ISOMER 3-MONOPROPIONINE AS PRESERVING AGENTS FOR ANIMAL FEED, GRAINS AND ANIMAL-ORIGIN MEALS” refers to the technical field of animal feed products, more specifically a 1-monopropionine compound and its isomer 3-monopropionine as preserving agents for animal feed, grains and animal-origin meals, with the object to reduce the contamination by deleterious fungi, yeasts and bacteriae (especially Salmonella spp and Coli spp) in animal feed, grains and animal-origin meals, and consequently enhance the growth of the animal by means of practically contaminant-free feeding.

Abstract: Poultry carcasses are contacted with water treated with one or more specified dihalodialkylhydantoin biocides in a processing operation downstream from a scalding tank. The aqueous effluent from that downstream operation or from any location further downstream is recycled to the scalding tank. Surprisingly, the bromine residues from the dihalodialkylhydantoin biocides are much more thermally unstable than, for example, the commonly used microbiocide, sodium hypochlorite. Thus, the effluent from the scalding tank has its active bromine content significantly reduced before it is sent to a water purification facility wherein microbial action is used to reduce the BOD of the waste water before its release to the environment. Thus, injury to this desired microbial action is reduced. In addition, the recycle reduces water consumption in the overall poultry processing operation.

Abstract: A composition is provided for use with a food product. The composition includes an acidic solution adapted to permeate the food product, and an oil mixed with the acidic solution, wherein the oil is adapted to form a coating along at least a portion of an outer surface of the food product after being applied to the food product.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of treating food products by applying an antimicrobial composition and processing the food product using selected processing methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous antifungal composition comprising a polyene antifungal compound and a thickening agent. The composition can be used in the protection against the development of fungi on food, feed and agricultural products.

Abstract: Chlorous acid is generated from a chlorite salt precursor, a chlorate salt precursor, or a combination of both by ion exchange. The ion exchange material facilitates the generation of chlorous acid by simultaneously removing unwanted cations from solution and adding hydrogen ion to solution. Chlorine dioxide is generated in a controlled manner from chlorous acid by catalysis. Chlorine dioxide can be generated either subsequent to the generation of chlorous acid or simultaneously with the generation of chlorous acid. For catalysis of chlorous acid to chlorine dioxide, the chlorous acid may be generated by ion exchange or in a conventional manner. Ion exchange materials are also used to purify the chlorous acid and chlorine dioxide solutions, without causing degradation of said solutions, to exchange undesirable ions in the chlorous acid and chlorine dioxide solutions with desirable ions, such as stabilizing ions, and to adjust the pH of chlorous acid and chlorine dioxide solutions.

Abstract: Animal carcasses are disinfected by applying to the surface of the animal carcass an acidified solution of chlorine dioxide. The chlorine dioxide solution should have a pH of about 2-3 and a concentration of 1-100 ppm. The contact time for the solution onto the carcass surface should be from about 5 seconds to about 60 seconds.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an improved two-part oxidizing system, as well as oxidizing compositions and methods for making and using the same, and in a particular embodiment to a two-part oxidizing system that, when mixed, yields an oxidizing composition. The two-part oxidizing system includes a metal chlorite first part, and an acid second part where the acid is sodium acid sulfate or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: Some food pathogens are not well controlled by lethality treatments followed by refrigeration. A food processing facility according to this invention reduces the likelihood that food pathogens will be able to enter the food processing facility, or spread should they be able to enter. The food processing facility is divided into a plurality of areas, with different areas having different allowed actions that can be taken on the food product, different rules and/or procedures for persons who are allowed entry, and/or different levels of cleanliness. The food processing facility includes a plurality of separate rooms individually, atmospherically and structurally isolated from each other for processing the food product, each including separate single food processing machines lines of series connected food processing, air handling systems, drain systems and/or often-used supplies and tools.

Abstract: Ultraviolet light stabilized antimicrobial compositions are formed from (A) and (B). (A) is (I) a solid-state micro-biocidal 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) over-based 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 method and apparatus for implementing pathogen reduction within a poultry processing or food processing plant that uses water that has been treated with chloramines at an advantageous dosage before being introduced to the production process at processing steps. The water treated with chloramines may be from a fresh water source or reclaimed water from the processing plant. The reintroduction of the treated reclaimed water advantageously causes a dramatic reduction in the levels of microorganisms associated with poultry processing, while substantially conserving water use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a one-piece edible filling for a meatball sandwich, formed from ground meat or other foodstuff which can be readily molded or shaped. The filling includes a generally flat base with an array of projections protruding from the base, such that the projections are connected together through the base. Each projection generally has the configuration of a meatball or portion thereof. The filling can be configured to form a filling for bun, roll or other sandwich casing to form a meatball sandwich when combined with said sandwich casing.

Abstract: It has been discovered that precise control of relative humidity within the Spray Chill rooms of meat processing facilities can help control carcass water weight loss. Through the use of a specially designed air wash system this loss can be controlled. As an additional beneficial effect of this process, it has been proven that a significant reduction of airborne bacteria can be seen through the application of proper air wash sump chemistry through the specialized process. Further to this development, and in combination with the proper sump chemistry humidifying system, continual cleaning of the process air and internal areas of the air handler as well as the filter and fill materials is seen, allowing for a continual cleansing of the system while delivering sanitized air and providing high room humidity for the control of water loss during the carcass chilling operation and the reduction of airborne bacteria in the spray chill room or any meat storage area.

Abstract: A method for preparing a fully cooked or oven roasted shelf stable meat product comprising of the steps of first mixing a selected group of ingredients which may include flavorings, colors, preservatives, sweeteners, salt, cures, fillers, bulking agents, edible acids, antimicrobials, antioxidants, concentrated proteins, emulsifiers, fats and oils, and others into a brine solution; injecting the ingredients and/or tumbling the ingredients with the selected meat product; cooking or oven roasting the blended meat product to meet USDA regulations; chilling the cooked product; forming, cutting, shaping, and styling the product; and packaging the product; and pasteurizing the finished product.

Abstract: Antimicrobial formulations and solutions for food safety and quality applications are disclosed. Because some of these formulations and solutions contain a substantial concentration of salt, they are adaptable to a variety of food-processing applications, such as for chilling brine applications, disinfecting meat baths/rinses, beef injection brines, poultry chill tanks, brines used in cheese manufacture, as a wash to kill salmonella and other bacteria on hard-boiled eggs or egg shells, and as a wash to disinfect produce, which can become contaminated with salmonella and other pathogenic bacteria in the field. These uses of concentrated salt solutions that depress the freezing point of the solution provide a low temperature bath or shower in which food products can be cooled. One embodiment comprises between 25 ppm and 100,000 ppm surfactant and between 72% and 99.99% salt.

Abstract: This invention includes brine mixtures and methods for enhancing fresh meat cuts with brine mixtures. In selected embodiments, the brine mixture includes gelatin, water and optional additives. In one embodiment the brine mixture may be substantially or entirely free of phosphates.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enzyme system that efficiently generates peracetic acid for use in decontamination applications. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a system that comprises an ester substrate, a hydrogen peroxide, and at least one acyl transferase. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the system further comprises at least one surfactant. In alternatively preferred embodiments, the present invention provides at least one wild-type and/or variant acyl transferase. The present invention finds particular use in decontamination involving a wide variety of chemical and biological warfare materials, as well as for general surface cleaning and decontamination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for improving the microbiological safety and stability of foods by the use of food-grade micelles that encapsulate antimicrobial agents. The invention also relates to the food compositions thus obtained.

Abstract: A method for using a bamboo leaf extract as an acrylamide inhibitor for heat processing food, comprises adding to the bamboo leaf extract at least one selected from a group consisting of ginkgo extract, tea extract, rosemary extract, apple polyphenol extract, haw extract, onion extract, licorice extract, root of kudzuvine extract, grape seed extract and leech extract; and preparing a composition, in which the bamboo leaf extract takes up 34-95% of the total weight of the composition. The bamboo leaf extract used as the acrylamide inhibitor in food systems has an inhibiting rate to acrylamide formation of up to 15-98%.

Abstract: In a method for a producing soft natural intestine casing, a natural intestine casing is treated in an alkaline aqueous solution at a temperature from 3 to 40° C. and pH from 11 to 13. By the method for producing a soft natural intestine casing, a soft natural intestine casing with a superior texture can be easily obtained. The natural intestine casing does not adversely affect the savor or flavor of sausages themselves.

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 system and method for reducing or preventing bacterial contamination in food includes application of a bacteriophage treatment to any type of food product at any stage of processing the food product. The bacteriophage treatment may also be applied to non-food surfaces and water systems, which may be susceptible to bacterial contamination and subsequent spread of bacteria. The bacteriophage treatment comprises at least one bacteriophage in a concentration sufficient to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination from pathogenic bacteria and/or spoilage bacteria. In some embodiments, the bacteriophage is able to reduce or eliminate bacteria introduced to a food product after the bacteriophage treatment was applied to the food product. In some embodiments, the bacteriophage treatment includes a buffering agent to maintain the bacteriophage at a pH level that sustains the bacteriophage. In some embodiments, the bacteriophage treatment includes a surfactant and/or a thickener to aid in applying the bacteriophage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a mixture of sugar and salt for treating meat. Treating meat either by penetration of said composition through the meat or by fermenting the meat in a closed container, results in a meat product with a salty taste throughout. Processes using lactic acid fermentation and process for producing storage-stable meat products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing seafood, meat, and poultry includes a pre-rinse spraying using water solutions containing an antimicrobial agent, and then subjection to pressurized water solution at pressures greater than atmospheric pressure for a selected period to reduce microbial flora on the product prior to freezing or other packaging.

Abstract: Disclosed are antimicrobial compositions for treating poultry and meat to substantially eliminate bacteria and microorganism harmful to human. The compositions include various combinations of an aliphatic heteroaryl salt, an aliphatic benzylalkyl ammonium salt, a dialiphatic dialkyl ammonium salt, a tetraalkyl ammonium salt and/or trichloromelamine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the electrochemical treatment of an aqueous solution in an electrolytic cell is described. Output solution having a predetermined level of available free chlorine is produced by applying a substantially constant current across the cell between an anode and a cathode while passing a substantially constant throughput of chloride ions through the cell.

Abstract: A concentrated quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) solution comprising a QAC with a concentration from greater than about 10% by weight and at least one solubility enhancing agent, such as an alcohol, is disclosed. A diluted QAC solution is used to contact food products to prevent microbial growth on the food products from a broad spectrum of foodborne microbial contamination. A method of contacting the food products with the dilute QAC for an application time of at least 0.1 second is disclosed. The foods that can be treated by this method are meat and meat products, seafood, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, pet foods and snacks, and any other food that can be treated and still retain its appearance and texture. One of the treatment methods is spraying and misting the QAC solutions on the food products for an application time of at least 0.1 second to prevent broad spectrum foodborne microbial contamination.

Abstract: Methods of processing four-legged slaughter animals for consumption as meat and/or meat product(s) are described. The methods comprise: I) contacting exterior surfaces of the live animal at least once with a microbiocidal solution formed from mixing together at least (i) water and (ii) at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin, such contacting occurring at least once when the animal is en route to being slaughtered but before it is killed by exsanguination; or II) contacting the carcass of the animal, after exsanguination, with a microbiocidal solution formed from mixing together at least (i) water and (ii) at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin or III) contacting at least one raw meat product and/or at least one processed meat product derived from the carcass. The contacting can be done one or more times in each of I), II), and III). Considerable advantages, which are described, are realized when using such methods.

Abstract: Methods of processing four-legged slaughter animals for consumption as meat and/or meat product(s) are described. The methods comprise (I) contacting exterior surfaces of the live animal at least once when the animal is en route to being slaughtered but before it is killed by exsanguination, with a microbiocidal solution, or (II) contacting a carcass of the animal, after exsanguination, with a microbiocidal solution, or (III) contacting at least one raw meat product and/or at least one processed meat product derived from the carcass at least once with a microbiocidal solution, or (IV) conducting any two or all three of (I), (II), and (III).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reducing microbial contamination on carcass, meat, or meat product; or on surfaces used in processing the carcass, meat, or meat product; employing compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, and to the compositions. The methods include applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to carcass, meat, meat product or surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reducing microbial contamination on poultry, or on surfaces used in processing poultry, employing compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, and to the compositions. The methods include applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to poultry or to the surfaces.