Abstract: An opened eviscerated carcass is subjected to inside-outside washing (IOBW) with water treated with at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin (DBDAH). Preferably, water treated with at least one DBDAH is brought into contact with a defeathered poultry carcass before the carcass has been opened, and after a period of time during which the carcass remains wet with treated water thereon, the carcass is opened and eviscerated. Then the opened, eviscerated carcass is subjected to IOBW with water treated with DBDAH. Preferably, after the IOBW treatment, the carcass is subsequently subjected to chilling in a chill tank in which water treated with DBDAH is employed as the chilling medium. Optionally, but preferably, the chilled carcass is washed before packaging by a spray with and/or immersion in water treated with DBDAH. These procedures provide very effective microbiocidal control and do not adversely affect the appearance, quality, or taste of the poultry meat product.

Abstract: The use of a highly acidic metalated organic acid composition (“HAMO”) as a food additive. The HAMO is used to reduce biological contaminants, and thus preserve, a nutriment. The HAMO is being absorbed in, or adsorbed on, a nutriment material to give a prepared nutriment.

Abstract: Processes for preparing a food product and products produced by such processes comprise vacuum tumbling a food product with an aqueous flavor solution and/or with a dispersion of a lipid in an aqueous starch solution. Optionally, the processes may further comprise freezing the vacuum tumbled food product in a liquid freeze bath.

Abstract: The preservation of meat products is accomplished utilizing a combination of smoke, ozone and freezing preservation techniques. Particularly, fish products are sized into portions that are first treated with smoke, followed by treatment with ozone and then optionally frozen. The preservation system extends the shelf life of the fish products and permits the fish to maintain its freshness and freedom from bacterial decomposition for a longer period of time following catch. The preservation process further maintains the characteristics of day caught fish, such as taste, texture and color, making the refreshed fish products produced by the present system more appealing to consumers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing meat is provided. According to the method, a meat product is positioned within an interior volume of a decompression chamber. A pressure differential is created across a gas output in communication with the interior volume of the decompression chamber. The decompression chamber is then rapidly decompressed by transferring gas from the interior volume of the decompression chamber through the gas output. The pressure differential and the rate of the rapid decompression are selected to be suitable for processing the meat product positioned within the interior volume of the decompression chamber. Typically, the pressure differential and the rate of rapid decompression are selected to be suitable for tenderizing the meat product, killing microorganisms in the meat product, or both.

Abstract: Cooked food products, such as cooked meats, and poultry, are treated with a decontaminant solution to remove surface microorganism contamination. The decontaminant solution contains peracetic acid at a concentration of from about 100 to 4000 ppm and has broad spectrum activity against a variety of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, such as Listeria monocytogenes.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods for making seafood products. The method includes treating the surfaces of more than one seafood portion with a phosphate and, optionally, a salt for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to produce surface-modified seafood portions. The surface-modified seafood portions are coated with a surimi-based binder, and the coated portions are then formed into one or more products. The surface modification causes the rearrangement of proteins, thus making available binding sites for the surimi-based binder. The surimi-based binder has suitable functional groups that can attach to the binding sites either through covalent or hydrogen binding. The product temperature is elevated to set the binder. The binding method according to the invention thus provides for greater cohesion between seafood portions.

Abstract: Disclosed are an inhibitory agent for protein denaturation, kneaded meat with suppressed freezing-denaturation and process thereof, method for freezer storage for fish and meat paste products, and process for producing fish and meat paste products, especially, kamabokos, and fish sausages. The inhibitory agent comprises (i) a member selected from sorbitol, trehalose, mixture thereof, and another saccharide(s) containing sorbitol and/or trehalose; and (ii) a pH-controlling agent which adjusts a kneaded meat to an alkaline pH. The agent effectively inhibits the protein denaturation of kneaded meat, and fish- and meat-paste products without using phosphate.

Abstract: A method of controlling microbial contamination of poultry carcasses in the processing of poultry as food products is described. The method comprises contacting the carcasses with an aqueous medium containing an effective microbial inhibiting amount of active bromine resulting from the addition to the medium of (i) at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoinin which one of the alkyl groups is a methyl group and the other alkyl group contains in the range of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms or (ii) a solution thereof, or (iii) both of (i) and (ii). Such contacting inhibits contamination of the carcasses by microorganisms, even at least some bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics or antibacterials. Also described are improvements in a poultry chill tank containing an aqueous medium and a plurality of poultry carcasses in contact with the medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inhibitory agent for kneaded meat and process for producing fish and meat paste products, especially, kamabokos, and fish sausages. The inhibitory agent comprises (i) a member selected from sorbitol, trehalose, mixture thereof, and another saccharide(s) containing sorbitol and/or trehalose; and (ii) a pH-controlling agent which adjusts a kneaded meat to an alkaline pH. The agent effectively inhibits the protein denaturation of kneaded meat, and fish- and meat-paste products without using a phosphate.

Abstract: Processing apparatus and method for animal products include multiple successive immersions in sanitizing solutions at different successive temperatures within controlled environments including at fluid pressures different from ambient pressure to reduce resident microbial contaminants in preparation for packaging and retail distribution.

Abstract: A method for controlling PSE (pale, soft, exudative) condition in meat muscle products is disclosed. A phosphate solution is injected into the animal muscle early post-mortem period after slaughter, prior to the onset of rigor mortis in the muscle.

Abstract: A system to control pathogens on a target element is disclosed, wherein the target element is subjected to hypochlorous acid. The present invention incorporates the use of hypochlorous acid as a pathogen control medium, wherein a hypochlorous acid stream of between about 4.3 and 7.0 pH as a pathogen reduction agent is utilized. In one embodiment, the hypochlorous acid stream is used to reduce pathogens in poultry processing plants.

Abstract: The presently disclosed disinfection process for use in the processing of foodstuffs is designed as an intervention step in poultry processing to allow for continuous on-line processing of poultry carcasses that may have accidentally become contaminated during the evisceration process. Such on-line processing is designed to replace the need for off-line manual washing and cleaning of the contaminated carcasses. By eliminating such off-line manual washing, food safety will be enhanced due to the elimination of the physical handling of carcasses and the cross-contamination that may result from such physical handling. An additional benefit is that the production process will also be able to run with a reduced number of interruptions, which will result in a more efficient production process.

Abstract: Control of the texture of meat cuts is accomplished so as to minimize the development of mealy, wet and soft texture of the meat cut, particularly when used in combination with a sauce having a relatively low pH of about 4.5 or below. The meat cuts are first fully cooked and chilled and then inserted, together with a low pH sauce, into a pouch and hermetically sealed within the pouch and stored under refrigerated, non-frozen conditions for at least 60 days without deterioration.

Abstract: The use of a highly acidic metalated organic acid composition (“HAMO”) as a food additive. The HAMO is used to reduce biological contaminants, and thus preserve, a nutriment. The HAMO is being absorbed in, or adsorbed on, a nutriment material to give a prepared nutriment.

Abstract: In forming an aqueous microbiocidal solution, the solution is formed bypassing water through a bed of at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin in non-powdery particulate form disposed in a feeder tank. Described are the particular 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoins used and their compacted forms together with the particular design features of the feeder tank.

Abstract: Processing apparatus and method for fish, poultry and meat products include multiple successive immersions in sanitizing solutions at different successive temperatures within controlled environments to promote low contamination during transfer of product between processing stations in preparation for encapsulation within a controlled environment confined within a barrier of composite sheet material that controls the transfer of selected gases therethrough.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sterilizing fog, characterized by droplet size range, vapor density range, sterilant concentration range and sterilant concentration within the droplets. Specifically, there is disclosed a fog achieved by an apparatus combining pressure, temperature and acoustics to form a super-charged ozoneated water and an apparatus that creates small micro droplets which form a highly concentrated sterilizing fog. Specific sterilants used are ozone, chlorine and chlorous acid generating compositions such as sodium hypochlorite, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An antimicrobial and antiviral composition in powder form or in the form of a two part liquid concentrate for washing and sanitizing foods, food surfaces, food ware, process waters, animal quarters, and animal carcasses is described. The composition may also be used to reduce the microbial and viral population on animals; reducing human pathogenic microbes, reducing opportunistic pathogenic microbes on eggs, and treating skin diseases. The composition includes three reactive species which in solution form an oxidizing species, and optionally a food grade acid source. The reactive species include a natural source of a quaternary or protonizable nitrogen compound which is acceptable on foods, an oxidant and a halide source.

Abstract: A stabilized food composition with a reduced dry matter content, wherein the stabilizing agent is a fructane or fructane mixture in an amount of 1-15 wt % and to 1-25% of the water content of said food composition.

Abstract: Polyphosphates control the growth of bacteria during food processing. These compositions comprise antimicrobial polyphosphates alone or in combination with organic acids and/or their salts and are effective in food-related applications, including: cleaning compositions to disinfect the surface of food and to clean and disinfect equipment used in food processing, and compositions to be added to food to inhibit the growth of microorganisms responsible for foodborne diseases and spoilage during distribution and storage.

Abstract: A composition and process for improving the quality of raw food product such as seafood, meat and fowl including a treatment of a bath, rinse, ice blend, steam or spray for preparing the raw food product, such as fresh fish, meat or poultry or produce. Before the treatment is used, the raw product is cleaned in a conventional manner. The treatment composition is intended to clean, deodorize, and disinfect the raw food product. The present invention removes slime and odor from fresh fish in preparation for cooking, and further, disinfects the fish and other food product to be cooked in the event that harmful bacteria or other microbes reside on the raw fish, such as harmful microorganisms which may be a residue of polluted water from which the fish was taken, or may have originated from filthy food preparation facilities.

Abstract: An animal feed additive that includes an effective amount of a naturally occurring source of humic acids and fulvic acids is provided. Preferably, this animal feed additive includes at least about 25% humic acids and fulvic acids in combination on a dry weight basis. This animal feed additive may be combined with nutrients to form an animal feed, which is another aspect of the present invention. Still further, the present invention includes a method of feeding animals the feed described above.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and compositions for controlling food borne enteric bacterial pathogens in animals. Populations of enteropathogenic bacteria may be substantially reduced or eliminated by treatment of animals with an effective amount of the compound Xm(ClO3)n, wherein X is a cationic moiety and m and n are independently selected from integers necessary to provide a net valency of 0. The compounds may be administered orally, providing a reduction in the populations of the enteropathogenic bacteria in the alimentary tract of the animal, or they may be applied externally onto the animal to reduce the populations of any such bacteria which may be present as contaminants on the surface of the animal. The method and compositions are particularly useful for the control of Salmonella species, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, and Clostridia species.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the disinfection of beef, pork, poultry and seafood. The inventive method includes the steps of (a) preparing a concentrated aqueous solution of a chlorine dioxide liberating compound having a concentration of from about 0.2% to about 25% by weight of the chlorine dioxide liberating compound and having an amount of an acid sufficient to adjust the pH to from about 1.0 to about 5.0; (b) diluting the concentrated aqueous solution to provide a dilute, acidified solution having a concentration of from about 0.00017% to about 0.17% by weight of the chlorine dioxide liberating compound; and (c)contacting the dilute, acidified solution with beef, pork, poultry and seafood to disinfect the beef, pork, poultry and seafood. Preferably, the chlorine dioxide liberating compound is an alkali metal chlorites, with sodium chlorite and potassium chlorite being particularly preferred.

Abstract: Methods of curing and processing poultry and meat products into fully-cooked slices. The method of the present invention immerses individual poultry and meat slices into a seasoning solution sufficient for the solution to permeate each slice followed by a single heating step that fully-cooks the slices to desired doneness.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treatment of animal feed or silage by treatment with a mixed culture of heterofermentive lactic acid bacteria and homofermentive lactic acid bacteria of the proper ratio. Bacterial strains for such treatment are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the disinfection of seafood. The inventive method includes the steps of (a) preparing a concentrated aqueous solution of a chlorine dioxide liberating compound having a concentration of from about 0.2% to about 25% by weight of the chlorine dioxide liberating compound and having an amount of an acid sufficient to adjust the pH to from about 1.0 to about 5.0; (b) diluting the concentrated aqueous solution to provide a dilute, acidified solution having a concentration of from about 0.00017% to about 0.17% by weight of the chlorine dioxide liberating compound; and (c)contacting the dilute, acidified solution with seafood to disinfect the seafood. Preferably, the chlorine dioxide liberating compound is an alkali metal chlorites, with sodium chlorite and potassium chlorite being particularly preferred. The acid may be any acid generally regarded as safe, as that term is used in the Code of Federal Register, 21 CFR 170.35 and 21 CFR 170.30.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and composition for the prevention of struvite in containers such as cans. The method includes combining a water soluble vitamin selected from the group consisting of pantothenic acid, the calcium salt of pantothenic acid, vitamin B12, folic acid, niacin and mixtures thereof with the fish. The composition is a tablet comprising the water soluble vitamin and sodium chloride.

Abstract: A stream (A) of first foodstuff has a first pH and a stream (B) of second foodstuff has second pH. The first pH and second pH are oppositely related to a third or target pH for the foodstuff such that one pH level is above the target level while the other pH level is below the target level. The two streams (A) and (B) are combined in a proportion to produce a combined or third foodstuff at the target pH. The first pH and second pH are sensed or otherwise determined, preferably on a continuous basis, and then these pH values are used to determine the proportion at which the stream of first foodstuff and stream of second foodstuff are combined and mixed. Particularly, the pH modification can be loosely controlled to produce an over-modification in the first foodstuff and then the stream (B) of second foodstuff may be combined with the stream (A) first foodstuff to produce a stream (C) of material having the target pH.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite meat product with added fat wherein the meat and fat are bonded together with a cold set binder. As desired, the product has a natural marbled fat appearance and/or a natural fat cap. The product is bonded without the need for heat and the integrity of the bonding is maintained upon freezing, thawing, or cooking of the product. The product has the appearance, handling properties and bite of the full muscle cut of meat. The invention further discloses a method for the manufacture of a composite meat product with added fat in which meat pieces and fat are bound to each other with a cold set binder. To provide marbled fat, meat pieces and powdered fat are mixed together, followed by mixing with a cold set binder and forming of the product. Prior maceration of the meat pieces provides for a uniform distribution of marbled fat throughout the meat product by inclusion of powdered fat within cuts made in the macerated meat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite meat product with added fat wherein the meat and fat are bonded together with a cold set binder. As desired, the product has a natural marbled fat appearance and/or a natural fat cap. The product is bonded without the need for heat and the integrity of the bonding is maintained upon freezing, thawing, or cooking of the product. The product has the appearance, handling properties and bite of the full muscle cut of meat. The invention further discloses a method for the manufacture of a composite meat product with added fat in which meat pieces and fat are bound to each other with a cold set binder. To provide marbled fat, meat pieces and powdered fat are mixed together, followed by mixing with a cold set binder and forming of the product. Prior maceration of the meat pieces provides for a uniform distribution of marbled fat throughout the meat product by inclusion of powdered fat within cuts made in the macerated meat.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a bactericide (and a fungicide) that is highly safe and has strong bactericidal power even when used in low concentration, and that can be used repeatedly in a sterilizing process. The object can be achieved by the bactericide (or the fungicide) comprising a polar solvent extract of leaves of eucalyptus plants and chitosan. The polar solvent is preferably chosen from the group consisting of lower alcohols and glycols.

Abstract: Various food processing methods and a food processing system minimize microbial growth while an animal, such as a chicken, is processed into food. During processing, temperature of an animal carcass and atmosphere surrounding the carcass are controlled by spraying gases and a mixture of ozone and water on the carcass, directing the gases through a passage in a wall to cool a processing area, and flowing the gases into atmosphere surrounding the carcass. Preferably, the gases include ozone and cryogenic gases recycled from a cryogenic freezer. The system uses a reduced amount of fresh water by recycling water used during food processing.

Abstract: A frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition comprising a metal chlorite and a protic acid in a frozen aqueous matrix made by freezing a substantially chloride dioxide-free aqueous solution comprising a metal chlorite at a concentration ranging from about 0.0005% to about 0.5% by weight and a protic acid at a concentration sufficient to lower the pH of the aqueous solution to a value of about 1.8 to about 5.0. The frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition has a chlorine dioxide concentration of more than about 3 ppm, while the aqueous solution prior to freezing has a chlorine dioxide concentration less than about 3 ppm. The frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition is used to disinfect substrates by contacting the same with the frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition. Suitable substrates include food intended for human or animal consumption, such as meat, fish and poultry.

Abstract: A chicken meat product rendered substantially free of pathogenic bacterial species by having an external coating of sodium diacetate substantially free of an adhesive material. The wet coating is retained on the external surfaces of the dressed chicken meat by the surface tension of the sodium diacetate solution after the chicken meat is coated with the solution and is hung freely to permit excess liquid to drain away. The amount of sodium diacetate present in the product of the invention depends upon the degree of pathogenic bacterial contamination of the chicken meat. The sodium diacetate is included in each case in sufficient quantity to preserve the meat from growth of all pathogenic bacteria of the order and species of salmonella, E. coli, and campylobacter.

Abstract: Heat-treated lactic and/or glycolic acid compositions are provided herein which are useful for antimicrobial treatment of surfaces, preferably food surfaces including fruits, vegetables and animal carcasses and of particulate materials, preferably ground meats, or other materials into which the compositions may be mixed. The heat-treated lactic and/or glycolic acid compositions have an average molecular weight preferably less than or equal to about 700 D and are mixtures of single molecules of the acid and ester complexes of the acid molecules containing two to no more than about ten molecules per complex. Preferably, these compositions comprise more than about 50 weight percent of the ester complexes, and more preferably about 75 weight percent. Aqueous solutions of these compositions and methods for making and using the compositions are also provided, as are food materials comprising such compositions.

Abstract: A method for preserving a food product, such as meat, including the steps of inoculating meat with an effective amount of euhygienic non-pathogenic, non-spoilage bacteria in order to competitively inhibit the growth of undesired pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. Edible films that incorporate and/or cover euhygenic bacteria on the food product are used to ensure competitive inhibition of undesired spoilage and pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: The meat quality-improving agent of the present invention includes an enzymatic hydrolyzate of a protein. By using the above meat quality-improving agent for frozen meats, pressured and heat-sterilized foods, or processed ground meat foods, an improvement in the water binding capacity, suppression of the meat shrinkage upon grilling, and an improvement in the texture is shown.

Abstract: A packaging system and method utilizes a modified atmosphere package including a first package and a second package. The first package includes a non-barrier portion substantially permeable to oxygen, while the second package is substantially impermeable to oxygen. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the first package, the first package is sealed and then inserted into the second package without sealing the second package so as to create a pocket between the first and second packages. The system and method first employ an oxygen reduction technique such as evacuation, gas flushing, and/or scavenging to quickly reduce the oxygen level in the pocket to a first non-zero level, and then employ an activated oxygen scavenger to further reduce the oxygen level to zero percent after the package is sealed. The oxygen scavenger is activated with an oxygen uptake accelerator to increase the rate at which the oxygen is absorbed.

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: 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: Disclosed is a method for treating products, such as meat products, with immobilized lactoferrin to reduce microbial contamination. The lactoferrin is immobilized on a naturally occurring substrate, preferably a galactose-rich polysaccharide. In some embodiments, the lactoferrin is applied as an aqueous solution containing a mixture of the immobilized lactoferrin and native lactoferrin, and a buffer system that includes a physiologically acceptable acid, such as citric acid, a physiologically acceptable base, such as sodium bicarbonate, and a physiologically acceptable salt, such as sodium chloride.

Abstract: A frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition comprising a metal chlorite and a protic acid in a frozen aqueous matrix made by freezing a substantially chlorine dioxide-free aqueous solution comprising a metal chlorite at a concentration ranging from about 0.0005% to about 0.5% by weight and a protic acid at a concentration sufficient to lower the pH of the aqueous solution to a value of about 1.8 to about 5.0. The frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition has a chlorine dioxide concentration of more than about 3 ppm, while the aqueous solution prior to freezing has a chlorine dioxide concentration less than about 3 ppm. The frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition is used to disinfect substrates by contacting the same with the frozen chlorine dioxide-containing composition. Suitable substrates include food intended for human or animal consumption, such as meat, fish and poultry.

Abstract: A method of preserving without bacterial spoilage and reducing the risk of bacterial contamination during the storage and/or transfer of foodstuffs, comprising treating said foodstuff or the locus of said foodstuff with a bacterially- effect amount of iodinated ice. The method is of particular value in the preservation of fish and fish products.

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: A process for preserving the color of red meat, which entails contacting the meat with an effective amount of an atmosphere selected from the group consisting of a noble gas, a mixture of noble gases and a mixture containing at least one noble gas and a carrier gas, the noble gas in the mixture with the carrier gas being selected from the group consisting of argon, neon, xenon an krypton and being present in said mixture in an amount of greater than about 10% by volume.

Abstract: A packaging system and method utilizes a modified atmosphere package including a first package and a second package. The first package includes a non-barrier portion substantially permeable to oxygen, while the second package is substantially impermeable to oxygen. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the first package, the first package is sealed and then inserted into the second package without sealing the second package so as to create a pocket between the first and second packages. The system and method first employ an oxygen reduction technique such as evacuation, gas flushing, and/or scavenging to quickly reduce the oxygen level in the pocket to a first non-zero level, and then employ an activated oxygen scavenger to further reduce the oxygen level to zero percent after the package is sealed. The oxygen scavenger is activated with an oxygen uptake accelerator to increase the rate at which the oxygen is absorbed.

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.