Abstract: A method is described of using a surface-reacted calcium carbonate as an extrusion aid for the production of a puffed polysaccharide-based material, excluding fibrillated cellulose-containing materials. In embodiments, the surface-reacted calcium carbonate is a reaction product of ground natural calcium carbonate (GNCC) or precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) with carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Methods form high fat feed blocks having a total fat content of about 7 wt % to 33 wt %. The blocks are formed by blending a pourable composition having a viscosity of at least 1000 cP at 57° C. with high fat pellets having total fat content of at least 40 wt % based on pellet weight, where the pellets include at least one fat having a melt temperature of greater than 60° C. Also disclosed are feed blocks formed by the methods.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for isolating osteopontin from a milk-derived feed containing caseino macropeptide and/or free beta casein, such as e.g. a feed based on milk serum or sweet whey. Particularly, the present method involves the use of a narrow window of pH and specific conductance of the milk-derived feed, which surprisingly has proven to provide a very efficient isolation of osteopontin from chemically complex feeds.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for isolating osteopontin from milk-derived feeds having a high concentration of protein. Particularly, the present method involves the use of a narrow window of pH and specific conductance of the milk-derived feed, which surprisingly has proven to provide a very efficient isolation of osteopontin from chemically complex feeds.

Abstract: A method includes neutralizing yogurt whey with a basic material to form a neutralized yogurt whey having a pH of at least 6.0 and removing water from the neutralized yogurt whey to form a yogurt whey concentrate. Neutralized yogurt whey compositions and concentrates are also described.

Abstract: A foaming composition includes a powdered carbohydrate-free soluble composition which includes protein particles having a plurality of internal voids containing entrapped pressurized gas. In one form, the foaming composition is produced by subjecting the particles to an external gas pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure prior to or while heating the particles to a temperature of at least the glass transition temperature and then cooling the particles to a temperature below the glass transition temperature prior to or while releasing the external pressure in a manner effective to trap the pressurized gas within the internal voids.

Abstract: A method of forming a reduced-fat butter product. The method includes churning cream to create buttermilk and concentrated milkfat. The buttermilk is concentrated to increase solids in the buttermilk by about three times to form a concentrated buttermilk. The concentrated buttermilk is blended with the concentrated milkfat to form a final reduced-fat butter product comprising no more than 60 percent fat.

Abstract: A frozen confection comprising citrus fibre, characterised in that the citrus fibre has been treated with a glycosidase enzyme is provided. A process for the production of a frozen confection comprising the steps of: a) contacting citrus fibre with a glycosidase enzyme; b) combining the citrus fibre with the other ingredients of the frozen confection to form a mix; c) homogenising the mix at a pressure of from 50 to 500 bar; and d) freezing the mix to form the frozen confection, wherein step a) can take place before, during or after step b) is also provided.

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: A foaming composition includes a powdered carbohydrate-free soluble composition which includes protein particles having a plurality of internal voids containing entrapped pressurized gas. In one form, the foaming composition is produced by subjecting the particles to an external gas pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure prior to or while heating the particles to a temperature of at least the glass transition temperature and then cooling the particles to a temperature below the glass transition temperature prior to or while releasing the external pressure in a manner effective to trap the pressurized gas within the internal voids.

Abstract: Process: providing concentrated milk composition including milk protein; providing plant fat composition including plant fat; combining first amount of concentrated milk composition together with second amount of plant fat composition, forming concentrated milk-plant fat composition having initial pH and having concentration by weight of water being within range of between about 49% and about 57%; combining concentrated milk-plant fat composition together with amount of edible acid, and directly setting concentrated milk-plant fat composition by adjusting initial pH to reduced pH being within range of between about 4.9 and about 4.5; thereby forming uniform non-separating direct-set milk-plant fat product substantially retaining the milk protein. Process also includes providing concentrated milk composition and plant fat composition respectively at first and second temperatures being at least about 20° F. above melting points of respective compositions.

Abstract: A method for preparing a pasteurized frozen dessert by mixing unpasteurized ingredients for the frozen dessert, the ingredients including water, cooling the unpressurized mix, pressurizing the cooled mix together with a gas with a pressure of more than 1000 bar, preferably more than 2000 to 4000 bar, thus pasteurizing the mix, cooling the pressurized mix, and releasing the pressure such that the water crystallizes to form the frozen dessert.

Abstract: Shelf-stable fermented dairy products and methods of making the shelf-stable fermented dairy products are provided. The shelf-stable fermented dairy products can be shelf-stable with improved taste, viscosity and texture profiles. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a shelf-stable fermented dairy product including a shelf-stable fermented dairy component, a stabilizer, and a puree composition. The shelf-stable fermented dairy component can be, for example, yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the manufacture of cheese, in particular hard and semi-hard cheese types. There is provided a process for the manufacture of a natural cheese comprising the steps of inoculating milk with a bacterial starter culture, adding rennet to form a curd, and subjecting the curd to a salting step by the addition of salt wherein a hydrocolloid or mixture thereof is added to the curd during the salting step and the hydrocolloid or mixture thereof replaces at least part of the salt or is in addition to the salt used during the salting step. There is also provided the use of such a salt and hydrocolloid mixture as a process aid during the salting step of natural cheese production.

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: Methods for the incorporation of dairy proteins into extruded snack products to provide a good source of protein are presented. In a first aspect, direct expanded, puffed products are obtained by selecting at least one filtered protein derived from milk and controlling unwanted reactions with one or more expansion controlling agents. Through the addition of expansion controlling agents such as a calcium carbonate, the thermally-treated, dairy protein-containing dough surprisingly results in a crunchier puffed snack food product. In a second aspect, the present invention provides for the manipulation of whey protein by ensuring the protein is denatured prior to combining with additional dry ingredients to form a sheetable whey-based dough suitable for cold extrusion-type processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nisin derivative comprising amino acid substitutions in the peptide sequence encoding the hinge region of the protein, wherein the derivative exhibits an increased anti-microbial activity.

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: 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: The invention relates to the use of at least one anionic emulsifier, in particular a monoglyceride esterified with an organic acid, or an ester of a lactic acid esterified with fatty acids, in the preparation of a processed cheese with a solids content ?40%, for increasing the firmness of the processed cheese product. The invention also relates to processed cheese products with a solids content ?40% and including an anionic emulsifier, and also to a method for the production of such processed cheeses products.

Abstract: A method of producing intact particles creating appearance of cheese particulates in a shelf stable pasteurized sauce is provided. A gelling agent is included in an oil-in-water emulsion, which is submerged in an ionic bath, to form particulates having the appearance of cheese but which do not melt when incorporated in a pasteurized sauce.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of peptides of lactic origin as ice-structuring agents, to their use in the manufacture of frozen products, and to the frozen products comprising them.

Abstract: A process for thickening human breast milk, the process comprising admixing the human breast milk with an effective amount of an aqueous thickener concentrate. Preferably, the aqueous thickener concentrate is contained in a package and consists essentially of fully hydrated xanthan gum and water.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for stabilising a food or drink. The method comprises including a calcium-depleted milk protein concentrate in the food or drink.

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: The present invention relates to plant proteins produced by a plant's epidermal layer that contribute to the innate pest/disease resistance of the plant (“phylloplanins’), compositions comprising the phylloplanins and methods of using the them. In particular the methods relate to inhibiting or prevent microbial, e.g., fungal or bacterial, growth on a subject, organism or surface, particularly inhibiting or preventing spoilage of food products due to microbial infection and growth. The invention also relates to transformed host cells that produce the phylloplanins, and to transgenic plants producing phylloplanins conferring increased resistance to microbial infections/growth.

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: A method for applying a powdered antimycotic composition to a foodstuff, the method including mixing a powdered antimycotic composition in an air stream, applying a uniform coating of antimycotic composition to each surface of a bulk foodstuff and slicing the foodstuff into a plurality of slices having the desired antimycotic surface concentration on each surface thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel use of cationic preservatives and preparations according to this novel use. A cationic preservative derived from lauric acid and arginine, in particular, the ethyl ester of the lauramide of the arginine monohydrochloride, hereafter named LAE, can be used for the protection against the growth of microorganisms. The chemical structure of LAE is described in formula (I). LAE and related compounds are particularly suitable to be used in the preservation of all perishable food products. It is preferred to dissolve the compound directly before use in one of the following preferred solvents of food grade: water, ethanol, propylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, other glycols, mixtures of glycols and mixtures of glycols and water. If the treatment shall be performed at a specific pH value the use of a corresponding buffer solution may be recommendable. The composition optionally comprises auxiliary components and excipients.

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).

Abstract: Described herein are organic acid reduced food ingredients and methods of making organic acid reduced food ingredients having a less sour taste and better organoleptic properties at low pH than conventional food ingredients with higher total organic acid content. Reduced sourness of the food ingredients of the present invention may be achieved by subjecting the food ingredients to organic acid/organic acid salt reduction methods.

Abstract: An acidified food composition includes a cheese component, a condensed phosphate emulsifying system, and one or more additional additives that are different than the condensed phosphate emulsifying system. A method for forming the acidified food compositions is also provided.

Abstract: Contacting a processed food product with an aqueous solution containing an effective amount of an alkali silicate reduces bacterial contamination of the product or retards bacterial growth on the product or both reduces bacterial contamination and retards bacterial growth on the product, without substantial detriment to the organoleptic properties of the product.

Abstract: A dairy-based product comprises an aerated, non-cultured dairy-based component, and a stabilizer for stabilizing at least one air cell within the aerated, non-cultured dairy-based component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for quenching the aldyhyde products of lipid autoxidation. The method includes providing a source of amino acids that are capable of binding the aldyhyde products to thereby quench them. The method finds particular use in the food industry wherein the quenching of autoxidation products is useful in maintaining food appeal to consumers and food product shelf life, especially when incorporating long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids into the food product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel composition with antimicrobial activity. It is in the food industry a well-known method to use the product L-arginine, Na-lauroyl-ethylester monohydrochloride (LAE). This product is well tolerated and suitable for use in the preservation of all perishable food products. The action of LAE can be further improved by combining the product with a second component selected from the group consisting of potassium sorbate, sodium sorbate and sorbic acid. The weight ratio of LAE to the second component is preferably in the range of 1:50 to 50:1. The combination of the two products leads to a synergistic combined activity against such microorganisms as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus megaterium, Citrobacter intermedium, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Penicillium camemberti and Cladosporium cladosporioides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new processes useful for separating whey proteins from whey protein-containing solutions using a novel anion exchanger which comprises a water insoluble, hydrophilic, water swellable, hydroxy (C2–C4) alkylated and cross-linked regenerated cellulose, derivatized with quaternary amino (QA) groups where the level of substitution of the QA groups is 1.4 milli-equivalents per dry gram of anion exchanger (meq/g) or greater.

Abstract: An imitation cheese composition containing moisture, preferably in an amount that is at least 60% by weight, a hydrocolloid, a cheese-derived component in an amount less than about 15% by weight of the composition, cheese flavoring that is natural or artificial and an acidulents in an amount that causes a pH of the composition to be not greater than 4.6. The composition is sufficiently firm such that it can be at least one of sliced, cut, shredded or grated. Preferably, no more than 1% protein is present, and/or the acidulent is in a total titrateable amount of less than 1.5% by weight of the composition, resulting in an imitation cheese having a flavor, texture and consistency that was only previously attainable in a pasturized process cheese product.

Abstract: Addition of a specific sugar compound to an iron-containing protein composition solution can provide an excellent freezing and thawing stability and restrained precipitate productivity in a thawed solution of its frozen product and increase the efficiency in the use of the iron-containing protein useful for enrichment of iron in a food or drink, production of iron preparations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a material to food products in a high speed packaging line at a controlled rate in compliance with applicable food-handling equipment standards, preferably in a liquid spray, without immersion, wherein the rate of application is sufficient for efficacy of the material without resulting in transfer of unacceptable quantities of the material or carrier to adjacent line components. The invention is particularly useful for spray application of a liquid antimycotic agent to cheese chunks, at a regulated rate that provides a sufficient surface concentration to inhibit mold growth on the surfaces of the cheese chunks after extended periods of exposure to ambient air, without unacceptable transfer of residue to adjacent components in the packaging line. The invention is preferably employed in application of natamycin to cheese chunks wherein a disk spray system applies a suspension of natamycin in an aqueous saline solution.

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: An imitation cheese composition containing moisture, preferably in an amount that is at least 60% by weight, a hydrocolloid, a cheese-derived component in an amount less than about 15% by weight of the composition, cheese flavoring that is natural or artificial and an acidulents in an amount that causes a pH of the composition to be not greater than 4.6. The composition is sufficiently firm such that it can be at least one of sliced, cut, shredded or grated. Preferably, no more than 1% protein is present, and/or the acidulent is in a total titrateable amount of less than 1.5% by weight of the composition, resulting in an imitation cheese having a flavor, texture and consistency that was only previously attainable in a pasturized process cheese product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a spreadable stabilized and seasoned cheese blend based on ricotta cheese, as well as the ricotta cheese blend composition, and a lasagna kit that includes the ricotta cheese blend, optional shredded cheese, tomato sauce, and uncooked lasagna. The method of stabilizing the ricotta blend includes the step of treating the blend at a temperature in the range of 160° F. to 170° F. for a time sufficient to confer to the blend a shelf life stability against the growth of Clostridium botulinum for at least 20 weeks. In additional aspects of the method, the cheese blend, and the kit, the cheese blend further includes an additive chosen from among a second cheese other than ricotta, salt, spices, herbs, an edible acid, and a preservative, or a mixture of any two or more of these additives.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a shelf stable dairy product and improved process for making the same. The shelf stable dairy product contains a substantial amount of real cream cheese, at least 55% by weight of the shelf stable dairy product, water binder, preserving agent and acidulant. The shelf stable dairy product is prepared by heating the real cream cheese to a temperature of at least about 90° F. and not greater than about 110° F.; mixing real cream cheese with water binder and preserving agent in a mixing vessel; pumping this cream cheese mixture through a recycle loop which includes a multiple blade blender while adding additional ingredients, such as an acidulant, additional water binders and flavorings; and pumping the cream cheese mixture through a homogenization system and a cooling system to form a shelf stable dairy product.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a protein component based on conventional proteins used for the production of foods, at least 20 wt-% thereof having a phosphate residue, which is covalently bound to the protein, whereby 50 to 100 wt-% of the proteins including at least one covalently bound phosphate residue, are subjected to a dephosphorylation reaction wherein 20 to 100% of the covalently bound phosphate residues were removed, for a treatment of adult and adolescent patients, as well as of babies and small children suffering from a disturbed gastrointestinal motility and of reflux-predisposed patients. The use of said protein component not only allows for a sufficient protein supply but it also passes rapidly through the stomach and prevents the stomach contents from flowing back into the oesophagus.

Abstract: A method of treating antimicrobial products, dairy products, pharmaceutical products and other products having offensive tastes or odors to remove the off-odors and off-tastes from the products. The method involves exposing a selected commercial grade product that contains a small amount of free acid impurities to an ammonia gas. The ammonia gas reacts with the free acid impurities to convert the free acids into ammonium salts, thereby reducing or eliminating the off-flavor and off-odor of the product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for washing a plurality of cored lettuce heads as they are harvested in the field is disclosed. The apparatus incorporates a multi-segment hinged conveyer forming a loop, at least one support platform having an opening, at least one lettuce head guide connected to the support platform and an aqueous solution spraying system. Workers harvest lettuce heads, core the lettuce heads and then place them on the lettuce head guides which are moving along the conveyer. The lettuce heads are conveyed to an aqueous solution spraying system which washes the cored areas of the lettuce heads. The lettuce heads are then removed from the conveyer into a produce bin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a spreadable stabilized and seasoned cheese blend based on ricotta cheese, as well as the ricotta cheese blend composition, and a lasagna kit that includes the ricotta cheese blend, optional shredded cheese, tomato sauce, and uncooked lasagna. The method of stabilizing the ricotta blend includes the step of treating the blend at a temperature in the range of 160° F. to 170° F. for a time sufficient to confer to the blend a shelf life stability against the growth of Clostridium botulinum for at least 20 weeks. In additional aspects of the method, the cheese blend, and the kit, the cheese blend further includes an additive chosen from among a second cheese other than ricotta, salt, spices, herbs, an edible acid, and a preservative, or a mixture of any two or more of these additives.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fatty acid esters composition of a polyglycerine containing more than 70% of a fatty acid monoester which is defined by a specified analysis method, a process for the preparation thereof, a process for the preparation of a highly-purified fatty acid esters composition of a polyglycerine, and a highly-purified fatty acid esters composition of a polyglycerine having an oxirane oxygen concentration of below 100 ppm which is defined by a specified analysis method. The fatty acid esters compositions of a polyglycerine are useful as additives for a variety of food-stuffs, additives for a variety of thermoplastic resins, and as additives for a variety of cosmetics or detergents.

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.