Abstract: Food compositions whereby natto kinase, which is a component of natto, can be easily taken; and food compositions comprising a combination of a Japanese food material natto with a western food material fermented milk product, for each of which some people have a dislike, so as to achieve the hygienic advantages of both of these materials and expect specific hygienic effects. Namely, food compositions comprising a freeze-dried fermented milk product, natto kinase and carriers usable in foods; and functional foods containing these components which have effects of preventing thrombosis, improving blood fluidity, preventing platelet aggregation and ameliorating lipid metabolism.

Abstract: A creamy food preparation comprising, in weight percentage of the total weight, at least 45% of finely divided and non-melt hard cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano, water and at least one food oil or fat, the water and the at least one food oil or fat being in a weight ration 7:1 to 9:1. The preparation has organoleptic characteristics which are comparable to those of the Parmigiano-Reggiano from which it is obtained for a period of at least four weeks at room temperature.

Abstract: Nutritionally improved cultured dairy products, such as milk beverages and yogurt products, include a fine powdered calcium phosphate salt of reduced particle size having a mean diameter ≦6&mgr;m in amounts sufficient to provide a total calcium content of 0.25% to 0.75%. A method for producing the calcium fortified products is also provided wherein an fine powdered insoluble calcium salt is admixed with a milk blend prior to fermentation. A yogurt can then be prepared by conventional fermentation. Both stirred style and cup set style yogurt products can be prepared.

Abstract: The invention concerns a carbon-containing additive for food fermenting agents characterized in that it comprises branched maltodextrins having between 15 and 35% of 1→6 glucosidic bonds, a reducing sugars content less than 20%, a polymolecularity index less than 5 and a number average molecular mass Mn equal to at most 4,500 g/mole. It also concerns fermented food compositions containing the said additive as well as the process for preparing these fermented food compositions.

Abstract: A method for improving the degree of deamidation (%) and the deamidation rate when deamidating a milk protein by an enzyme which exerts a deamidating effect by acting directly on an amide group of a protein without cleaving a peptide bond or crosslinking the protein is provided. A method for denaturing a milk protein enzymatically is also provided.

Abstract: A savory, shelf-stable, particulate, meltable, food-grade plasticized composition is disclosed, having a water activity Aw of 0.70 or below. The composition is an oil-in-water emulsion of: a protein that forms a thermally reversible meltable gel, plasticizer components to solubilize the protein, comprising a polyol plasticizer and a non-polyol plasticizer, a level of an edible oil component sufficient to provide proper texture, mouthfeel, and melt characteristics to the plasticized composition, and a savory flavoring component, and typically comprises 10-30 wt-% protein, 15-50 wt-% plasticizer component, including, based upon the total weight of the composition, 10-40 wt-% polyol plasticizer and 3-15 wt-% non-polyol plasticizer, 10-40 wt-% oil component, 5-25 wt-% moisture, and 10-40 wt-% flavor characterizing component. Also disclosed is a process for producing such a composition, which has a savory inclusion and is designed to be melted onto snack foods, etc.

Abstract: A milk product containing milk, pectin and juice from fruit, vegetables and other natural ingredients is disclosed, which uses a significant percentage of real milk and which minimizes the chalky-taste of prior art fruit-flavored milk products. A process for making such a milk product is also disclosed, wherein milk and pectin are pre-mixed and homogenized prior to blending in the juice and any other ingredients. The resulting blend is further homogenized. The product disclosed herein may contain other ingredients. The preferred stabilized milk product includes from about 0.25 to about 10.0% of milk protein including solid milk proteins; from about 5 to about 98% of juice; from about 0.1 to about 2.5% of cations; and from about 0.01 to about 5.0% of a stabilizer, preferably pectin; wherein the stabilized milk product is an aqueous fluid having a pH in the range of from 3.2 to about 6.5, and wherein the average particle size of the solid milk protein particles ranges from about 1.0 to about 22.0 micrometers.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a method for modifying raw material milk, wherein a reducing agent such as a thiol compound is added when transglutaminase is caused to act upon raw material milk for a dairy product, whereby the reactivity of the transglutaminase to the raw material milk such as raw cow milk, can be improved and the milk protein can, in turn, be modified effectively. From the thus-modified raw material milk can be produced dairy products such as yogurt, cheese and powdered milk improved in physical properties, mouthfeel or texture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of compound fertilizer granules containing at least two of the plant nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, said process including the steps of: providing a solid fee material including at least one solid fertilizer raw material and optionally recycle material, feeding the feed material or a part thereof into a melter for melting a desired portion thereof and keeping said portion in molten state, feeding the molten or partly molten material and optionally other desired solid raw materials to a granulator to obtain a granulated product, and cooling and optionally screening the granulated product to obtain dry compound fertilizer granules having a desired size distribution, provided that no water or aqueous liquid is introduced into the process.

Abstract: Provided is a method of assessing the extent to which Bifidobacterium bacteria in a Bifidobacterium-bacteria-containing fermented milk food or drink reach the intestines when the food or drink is orally administered to human beings, which comprises subjecting the fermented milk food or drink to successive treatments with an acid and bile, and measuring the bacterial viability after the treatments.

Abstract: A method of processing a composition that includes proteins and lipids, the method including transforming at least some of the proteins and at least some of the lipids originally present in the composition into protein residuals and lipid residuals and concentrating sphingolipids in a fraction following the transformation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for making a fat-free cream cheese-like fermentation product having similar textural and organoleptic properties similar to that of a higher fat containing cream cheese. In the process, a skim milk composition having a high solids content and a low fat content is cultured with a ropy culture until the pH reaches a value of about 5.2 to about 4.9. The cultured mixture is blended with at least one bulking agent and at least one emulsifier to form a blend, which is heated to a temperature of about 60° C. to about 65° C. After adding a vegetable gum, the heating is continued until a temperature of about 80° C. to about 90° C. is reached. The heated mixture is blended and homogenized to form the fat-free cream cheese-like fermentation product. The present composition and process does not require the addition of relatively costly cottage cheese solids or curds as required by conventional cream cheese processes.

Abstract: Methods of preparation for cultured milk based products and products prepared thereby are provided wherein a yogurt is produced containing 0.1% to about 5% confectionery filaments. The process involves providing a cooled fermented yogurt base at a temperature of 0° C. to 5° C.; injecting a liquid fat-bearing compound having a total fat concentration of 24% to about 40% into the cooled yogurt base; whereby the liquid fat-bearing compound is shattered into filaments upon contact with the cooled fermented yogurt.

Abstract: A method of processing a dairy composition that includes a plurality of proteins, the method entailing combining an enzymatic substance with the dairy composition to form a mixture that includes an enzyme of fungal origin, and enzymatically hydrolyzing proteins present in the mixture during an enzymatic hydrolysis period of at least about two hours to produce a product, the product having a degree of protein hydrolysis greater than 30 percent.

Abstract: Disulfide proteins showed mitigated allergenicity and increased digestibility by pepsin following reduction by thioredoxin. The sulfhydryl groups newly formed on reduction by thioredoxin (at 4° C.) or dithiothreitol (DTT) (at 55° C.) were blocked with a physiological disulfide, such as cystamine or oxidized glutathione (GSSG) to obtain stable forms of the disarmed allergen. When derivatized with cystamine, BLG was separated from its oxidized and reduced forms on non-reducing SDS-PAGE and appeared to lack sulfhydryl groups. Although less effective GSSG, gave similar results. Allergenicity of the two derivatives was compared with that of the oxidized, reduced and reoxidized forms of BLG by skin testing dogs from a colony sensitized to cow's milk. Both the cystamine and GSSG derivatized BLG showed decreased allergenicity and increased sensitivity to pepsin as compared to controls. The reoxidized form resembled the derivatives in having lower allergenicity.

Abstract: The present invention provides process cheeses containing casein and whey protein with a ratio of casein to whey protein of from about 50:50 to about 75:25. Typically, the process cheese further contains an emulsifier, milkfat, and may contain one or more other ingredients such as, but not limited to, whole whey, cheese, and lactic acid. The present invention provides methods for producing the process cheese of the current invention using a pre-cook or post-cook homogenization step, and/or a modified dairy protein source. The modified dairy protein source includes high viscosity whey protein, emulsified high fat whey protein powder, low calcium whey protein, and/or high solubility milk protein.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing the growth rate and/or controlling the metabolic activity of lactic acid bacteria and of improving the shelf life and/or the quality of an edible product using lactic acid bacterial organisms which are defective in their pyruvate metabolism. There is also provided starter culture compositions comprising such defective lactic acid bacteria as helper organisms and lactic acid bacterial starter culture strains. Useful helper organisms are Lactococcus strains which are defective with respect to pyruvate formate lyase (Pfl) and/or lactate dehydrogenase (Ldh) activity. The helper organisms may overexpress a gene coding for an NAD+ regenerating enzyme such as NADH oxidase encoded by nox gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides improvements in dairy products especially cultured dairy products such as stirred style yogurt. The improvement provides aerated or whipped yogurt products and methods of preparing such improved whipped yogurt products. The improvement resides in part in the post fermentation addition of a hydrated emulsifier blend to cultured yogurt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to superior dairy products which have firmness qualities and textural qualities not observed in conventional dairy products. The dairy products of this invention have average fat particle sizes of less than about 0.8 microns, preferably of about 0.1 to about 0.8 microns, and more preferably about 0.2 to about 0.6 microns. The dairy products which may be manufactured using this process are cream cheese, sour cream, and dairy products containing at least 4 percent fat. The present invention also provides a process for making a cream cheese product without the removal of whey and having average fat particle sizes of less than about 0.8 microns, preferably of about 0.1 to about 0.8 microns, and more preferably about 0.2 to about 0.6 microns.

Abstract: Acidic milk based beverage products which do not precipitate over time and are physically stable, and a process for preparing these products, are disclosed. These products contain from about 0.5% to 5.0% milk proteins and 0.1 to 2.0% of a food stabilizer and a food acid sufficient to lower the pH below 4.5. The first step of the process involves mixing milk proteins with a food grade weak base to raise the pH above 7.0. Food grade stabilizers are added to the elevated pH mixture of milk proteins and base under low shear conditions. Other ingredients are then added to provide the desired sweetness, flavor, color and microbiological stability. This mixture is homogenized before acidification. A chilled food grade acid is then added at a temperature below 30° c. under low to moderate shear conditions.

Abstract: A method for cheese ripening using a primary starter culture and an attenuated starter culture, wherein the attenuated starter culture is treated with a surface active agent, such as SDS, which substantially kills all of the attenuated starter culture cells, but maintain their enzyme activity, and accelerate cheese ripening without compromising flavor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a fermented food product, which enables the maturation phase of said product to be shortened and its organoleptic to be improved. The process is characterized by the addition to the raw material of a cluster of cell extracts of its fermenting micro-organisms, which are either naturally present or added in live state. The proportion of each extract in the cluster is approximately equivalent to that of the corresponding micro-organism in the fermenting mixture.

Abstract: Powdered milk solids are disclosed having a free fatty acid profile that provides for a developed milk character when used to prepare milk chocolate. Methods of preparing the powdered milk solid and preparing milk chocolate with the powdered milk solids are also disclosed. Novel chocolates having a developed milk character are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the production of an acidified nutritionally fortified cultured dairy beverage or yogurt product and the resulting product containing live and active cultures comprising preparing a non-fermented fluid dairy base, homogenizing and pasteurizing said base mix, adding a yogurt to said base mix, adding an acid blend to said base mix, comminuting said base mix to reduce particle size, adding a flavor and a color to said base mix, and packaging to provide an acidified nutritionally fortified cultured dairy beverage composition containing live and active cultures, having a finished product culture count of at least 1.5×108 cfu/gram, a viscosity of 400 to 3500 cps at a temperature of 1° C. to 7° C. and a final pH of 3.8 to 4.5.

Abstract: A novel strain of Lactococcus lactis subspecies cremori (“Ropy 352”) has been identified and isolated. Ropy 352 produces a previously unknown exopolysaccharide (EPS 352) that when expressed in or added to milk, imparts highly desirable sensory characteristics to the milk, including making the milk very thick, with a very smooth mouth-feel, and slightly sweet with an obvious “chewable-bite”.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing phosphorous from sialyloligosaccharides isolated from a dairy stream using phytase.

Abstract: Described are modified casein gelling agents, gels and processes for preparing them. The modified casein gelling agent is casein in which the native structure has been disrupted.

Abstract: The purified strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus CNCM/I-1492 (L.a. 1492) when administered alone or in combination with another Lactobacillus acidophilus (L.a.) strain and Lactobacillus casei (L.c.) strain, has a beneficial effect on the cholesterol blood level in mammals. It also strenghtens the immune system, facilitates the absorption of nutrients and stimulates the intestinal flora. Such strains also neutralize side effects caused by antibiotics. The invention concerns the specific strain L.a. I-1492, a ferment comprising L.a. I-1492, L.a. and L.c. strains, a dairy product obtained by this ferment and a method of manufacturing the dairy product.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a dietetic milk jam having no sucrose and having the same organoleptic properties as traditional milk jam is formulated by addition of a solution of polydextrose at a pH of 6.4 in a proportion of about 17% to 33% of the final composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of yoghurt or other fermented milk products, comprising the following steps: inoculation of a starter medium with a starter culture, said starter culture comprising an exopolysaccharide-producing micro-organism. An exopolysaccharide production step wherein the pH of said starter medium is kept stable at a predetermined pH value at a suitable temperature, and an acidification step to allow clotting of the starter medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of protein hydrolysate from milk protein by treating milk protein with fungal protease at a pH of 7.5-8.5, a temperature of 40±5° C. for a time period of 30 min to 2 hours, followed by heating at 65-70° C. for at least 3 min, separating the clarified supernatant by a known manner and drying the clarified liquor thus obtained to get the protein hydrolysate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the Schizochytrium genus SR21 strain and a microorganism belonging to the same species as does said SR21 strain or having substantially the same fungological properties as does said SR21 strain, the said SR21 strain and microorganism having the ability to produce the (n-3) series of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the (n-6) series of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and the invention also relates to a process for preparing the (n-3) series of DHA and the (n-6) series of DPA utilizing said microorganisms. The microorganisms according to the present invention are superior in their proliferation character and their propensity to produce fat, and have the ability to produce the (n-3) series of DHA and the (n-6) series of DPA very well. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively produce the (n-3) series of DHA and/or the (n-6) series of DPA, which are useful in the fields of foods and pharmaceuticals, using the microorganisms according to the present invention.

Abstract: The current invention provides an improved process for making a cheese product using transglutaminase. The method comprises the steps of providing a dairy liquid, crosslinking and curding the dairy liquid by adding an acidifying agent and a transglutaminase to the dairy liquid under conditions sufficient to crosslink at least a portion of proteins in the dairy liquid to provide both a curd comprising a crosslinked dairy liquid and a liquid whey, cutting and cooking the curd, separating the curd from the liquid whey, and collecting the curd. Many specific embodiments are provided. Additionally, the current invention provides a product made by the process. The cheese products, especially soft cheeses such cream cheese and cottage cheese, exhibit less syneresis than similar cheeses prepared by conventional methods.

Abstract: A process for producing a flavored cheese that does not require curing or aging is provided. Using three specific flavor components (i.e., a “sulfury-cheddar” flavored component, a “creamy-buttery” flavored component, and a “cheesy” flavored component), a wide variety of flavored cheeses having desired flavor profiles and of various types can be prepared using a simple process that does not require a curing or aging step. Depending on the type of cheese desired, a mixture of at least one, and preferably at least two, of the flavor components is prepared. A non-coagulating amount of a cheese coagulate is added and sufficient water is removed, preferably by evaporation, to obtain the desired solids level, thereby forming the desired flavored cheese.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for making a stable cheese product supplemented with functionally enhanced whey protein. In a preferred embodiment of these methods, the cheese product is cream cheese. The added whey protein is functionally enhanced by exposing cheese curds or dairy liquids containing the whey protein to controlled heat treatment and/or treatment at high shear rates. The invention further provides a stable cheese product that is characteristic of a particular variety of cheese and that is supplemented with functionally enhanced whey protein. In a preferred embodiment, the supplemented cheese product is cream cheese.

Abstract: A method for isolating casein and calcium phosphate as separate products from a milk source, comprising the steps of: a) contacting the milk source with carbon dioxide under pressure in order to precipitate the casein; b) separating the casein from the milk source while maintaining the pressure to obtain a casein fraction and a whey fraction; and c) releasing the pressure from the whey fraction to allow calcium phosphate to precipitate therefrom.

Abstract: Microfiltration of skim milk is carried out in combination with in-process pH reduction to provide a retentate useful for cheese making which is concentrated to a concentration factor of 7× to 12× and contains a ratio of calcium to total protein which is desired for the cheese, and a permeate which contains 40 to 80% of the whey protein of the skim milk being processed which is highly functional and typically contains little or no casein. Composition containing highly functional whey protein with no measurable fat or casein and no glycomacropeptides, rennet or starter cultures can be obtained; fruit beverages are disclosed which contain this composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing cheese from enzyme-treated cheese milk, and the use of the resulting produced cheese as ingredient in food products. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process for producing cheese from cheese milk treated with a enzyme selected from the group of phospholipases, in particular phospholipase A1, A2 and B. Also, the present invention relates to a process for stabilizing the fat emulsion of a milk composition, e.g. cream, and the use of such stabilized milk composition, e.g. for the manufacturing of UHT-cream or cream liquor.

Abstract: A Bifidobacterium breve strain provided is showing a viable count of 1×109 cells/ml or more immediately after culturing in a soymilk medium and sustaining a viable count of 1×108 cells/ml or more after storage at 10° C. for 14 days. The strain is preferably Bifidobacterium breve FERM BP-6223, and is used for producing fermented soymilk.

Abstract: A delivery system for introduction of a starter culture directly into a dairy process line, comprising a sealed enclosure having outlet means for connecting the enclosure to the process line, the sealed enclosure containing the starter culture and/or milk clotting enzyme. The system can be used to introduce a dairy starter culture directly into a closed dairy process line without risk of contamination.

Abstract: The present invention provides improvements in dairy products especially cultured dairy products such as stirred style yogurt. The improvement provides aerated or whipped yogurt products and methods of preparing such improved whipped yogurt products. The improvement resides in part in the post fermentation addition of a hydrated emulsifier blend to cultured yogurt.

Abstract: A process for preparing yogurt takes advantage of the discovery that a form of modified whey characterized by a calcium content of at least 3%, protein content of from 10 to 20%, and a phospholipid content of at least 2%, has the ability to impart a creamy texture to yogurt while increasing its calcium content, Preferred products have calcium contents such that each serving contains from about 25 to about 50% of the Daily Value figure of 1000 mg per day.

Abstract: The invention concerns lactic acid bacteria with anxiolytic properties and not inducing sedative effect. Said lactic acid bacteria are useful in particular for preparing foods or medicines.

Abstract: Mobile systems for cleaning and drying produce in order to extend shelf life, are described. Produce cleaning systems (20) are provided that employ plural forms of energy in an ionic liquid-based washing system (22, 24, 26) containing solvents and solutes which promote the conduction of electrical energy. The electrical energy can be applied to the produce in the wash bath (24) in various waveforms, such as a modulating wave superimposed on a carrier wave. Additionally, ultrasonic energy is employed to provide high-frequency mechanical pressure waves against the produce. The electrical energy and the mechanical energy combine to produce energy in the applicable resonant frequency range that acts to destroy or transform pathogens, dirt and synthetic molecules that may exist on the item of produce (190). Systems for drying the item of produce (190), after it has been immersed in a natural soluteladen slurry maintained at a temperature below the freezing point of water, are also provided.

Abstract: The method of the invention produces modified milk protein concentrates using cation exchange to replace divalent ions with monovalent ions. The modified milk protein concentrate produced may be converted into a gel which may be a cheese-like product itself, or used to make end products such as cheeses, cheese-like products, savory products, desserts, confectionary products and intermediate food products.

Abstract: A growth medium adapted for the growth of a variety of different lactobacilli is provided. The medium is based on milk which is supplemented by at least four free amino acids, at least two ribonucleosides or other ribonulcleotide precursors, and iron. A variety of different Lactobacilli, particularly Lactobacilli belonging to Johnson's group A and B groups, are able to reproduce at rates approximately the same as milk supplemented with yeast extract. This medium when used in the production of dairy products that contain Lactobacilli does not contain the off-flavor of a fermented medium that had been supplemented with yeast extract.

Abstract: A process is described for manufacturing dietary supplements (food integrators) by means of a natural fermentation, including the following steps: a) preparation of a “mix” at a 18° Centigrade temperature, containing one or more types of pasteurized milk from animal origin; b) introduction in such a “basic material” of a 1.5-4.5% in weight of polysaccharide “grains” mainly formed “friendly bacteria”; c) maintenance of the previous substance at a 18-25° Centigrade temperature for a first period of 6-12 hours then adding a quantity of 1-3 % in weight of a second pool of polysaccharide “grains”, mainly formed by yeasts; d) maintenance of the substance at 18-25 ° C. during a second period of 6-12 hours, by adding again 2.5-65% in weight of “grains” mainly formed by yeasts, then adding some minerals (calcium, magnesium, etc.) in proportion 0.2-1.

Abstract: The present invention discloses: (i) a non-pathogenic probiotic microorganism and its probiotic/therapeutic uses; (ii) a formulation comprising an aqueous solution of a volatile fraction (VF) prepared from the extract of at least one plant derived material and its therapeutic uses; (iii) a process of manufacturing the formulation from the plant derived material; (iv) a probiotic composition comprising the non-pathogenic probiotic microorganism of the invention and/or other probiotic microorganism(s) and the formulation of the invention, and its probiotic/therapeutic uses; (v) a composition for industrial applications comprising the formulation of the invention and microorganism(s) of industrial applicability; and (vi) industrial processes and apparatuses in which the latter composition is used.

Abstract: A method for preparing a no fat or low fat cheese product from a culture medium prepared by combining from about 50 to about 94 wt. % whole milk, from about 0 to about 45 wt. % water, and from about 0.2 to about 1 wt. % of at least one food grade, polyanionic gum. The culture medium is inoculated with at least one lactic acid- or hetero-acid producing bacterium to form a cultured mixture. The cultured mixture is then combined in a vat with skim or low fat milk to form a cultured milk. The cultured milk is ripened, sufficient rennet added to form a coagulum, the coagulum cut to form curd in a whey solution, and the curd cooked while in the whey solution. The cooked curd is transferred to a means for draining the whey solution where the whey is separated from the curd and the curd salted. After salting, the curd is further processed to produce a no fat or low fat cheese.

Abstract: A &bgr;-D-galactosidase which is encapsulated with fatty acid ester, does not exert its hydrolysis function in milk but hydrolyze lactose in the human body. Hence, the milk containing the encapsulated &bgr;-D-galactosidase, does not change in sweetness with storage and is digestible to the &bgr;-D-galactosidase-deficient people. In addition, the milk can maintain its characteristic taste without off-flavor by virtue of the excellent feature of fatty acid ester.