Abstract: A continuous method using gaseous carbon dioxide or a pressurized flow of liquefied carbon dioxide is described to reduce microbial and/or enzymatic activity in a liquid product. The carbon dioxide is combined with a pressurized flow of the liquid product, or the mixture is pressurized after the mixture is formed. The pressure and temperature in the flow regions are maintained at a level which is sufficient to keep the carbon dioxide in a continuous liquid state, but which does not freeze the liquid product. The pressurized mixture of the carbon dioxide and liquid product flows through a reaction zone for a sufficient time to reduce harmful microorganisms and/or inactivate enzymes and then enters one or more expansion stages wherein the pressure of the mixture flow is sufficiently decreased to vaporize the carbon dioxide for separation from the liquid product. If necessary, heat is applied in at least one of the expansion stages to prevent a freezing of the mixture.

Abstract: A method for processing a food product involves transporting the food product through a plurality of stations including a loading station, a pasteurization station, and a closing station. The surface of the food product is pasteurized by convectively transferring heat from the pasteurizing medium to the surface of the food product at a rate such that the surface heat transfer coefficient becomes sufficiently higher than the food product conductance coefficient that the surface temperature of the food product is substantially instantaneously elevated above temperatures which are instantly lethal to microbes which may be present. Preferably, steam is condensed on the food product surface in dropwise condensation, and the onset of film condensation is retarded by removing condensate film from such surface.

Abstract: A food storage and preparation device (10, 50, 100, 200) is provided for more rapidly cooling or heating a mass of food or other product contained within a storage pan. The device includes a plurality of air contact fins (20) which rapidly convey heat to and from the ambient surrounding air and a plurality of food contact fins (22, 56, 106) which are inserted within the mass of food to increase the surface area of the food exposed to a heat transfer surface to more rapidly transfer heat to or from the mass of food.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of maintaining the pressure difference in a heat treatment plant such as, for example, a pasteurizer for liquid foods. In a temporary production disruption, the insufficiently treated product is caused to recycle by a return stroke. The pressure difference is maintained in that the already heat-treated product is enclosed in a conduit on the downstream side (14) of the plant, and that the space for the product in the conduit is restricted. The space for the product is restricted either in that a food gas is led into the conduit, or alternatively that the product conduit (29) is provided with an expansive portion (27). The expansive portion (27) consists of a pipe length (28) with an inner elastic wall (30) which expands by means of a gas or a liquid.

Abstract: Method for the pasteurization of liquid mixtures for ice cream, characterised by the following stages: heating of the liquid mixture to a temperature below the coagulation point for the protein substances present in the liquid mixture and the simultaneous injection of pressurized gaseous carbon dioxide into the liquid mixture. The processing temperature lies between approximately 50° C. and approximately 59° C. and is preferably in the order of approximately 55° C. Injection of the gaseous carbon dioxide takes place at a pressure which may be varied between approximately 5 and approximately 6 bar and preferably at a pressure of approximately 5.5 bar.

Abstract: A continuous method using gaseous carbon dioxide or a pressurized flow of liquefied carbon dioxide is described to reduce microbial and/or enzymatic activity in a liquid product. The carbon dioxide is combined with a pressurized flow of the liquid product, or the mixture is pressurized after the mixture is formed. The pressure and temperature in the flow regions are maintained at a level which is sufficient to keep the carbon dioxide in a continuous liquid state, but which does not freeze the liquid product. The pressurized mixture of the carbon dioxide and liquid product flows through a reaction zone for a sufficient time to reduce harmful microorganisms and/or inactivate enzymes and then enters one or more expansion stages wherein the pressure of the mixture flow is sufficiently decreased to vaporize the carbon dioxide for separation from the liquid product. If necessary, heat is applied in at least one of the expansion stages to prevent a freezing of the mixture.

Abstract: Gas and/or air distribution systems and methods for distributing thermally and/or otherwise treated gas in a food processor by moving at least one food item over a predetermined travel path in a food processor having a food travel path comprising a moving floor and upwardly extending first and second sidewalls located on opposing sides thereof, the travel path having a corresponding first and second side portions.

Abstract: There is provided a process for pasteurizing in shell chicken eggs (2) carried in stacks (1) by placing the eggs in a heated fluid bath (4) having a temperature of between about 128 to 145 degrees F., allowing the eggs to dwell in the heated fluid bath until there is a log reduction of at least 4.6 of any Salmonella bacteria within the eggs, removing the eggs from the heated liquid bath and into a gaseous atmosphere (26), and contacting the eggs with an antibacterial fluid (28) containing an antibacterial agent. Preferably, the eggs are thereafter contacted with a sealant such as wax. In the gaseous atmosphere the eggs further pasteurize to at least a 5 logs reduction of the bacteria by way of residual heat in the eggs. During cooling in the gaseous atmosphere, the eggs suck the antibacterial fluid into the eggs between the inside of the shells and the membranes and provide antibacterial barriers in the eggs.

Abstract: A method for continuous heat sterilization of liquid includes a continuous pre-heating step of preheating the liquid, a final heating step of heating the preheated liquid to reach a predetermined sterilizing temperature, a holding step of holding the liquid which has reached the predetermined sterilizing temperature for a predetermined period of time, and a cooling step of cooling the held liquid. The final heating step comprises the following steps (a) and (b): (a) a step of continuously pressurizing the liquid by a high pressure pump; and (b) a step of releasing the liquid continuously to a normal pressure within a time period of less than 10 seconds after the pressurizing step to thereby make the liquid reach the predetermined sterilizing temperature. An apparatus for automatically carrying out the method is provided. According to the continuous heat sterilization method and apparatus, scorch during the final heating step is dispensed with and accordingly, a long period of continuous operation is feasible.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a frozen concentrated liquid whole egg product and a process for making the frozen concentrated product. The product has from about 33 to about 49 weight solids, from about 51 to about 67 weight percent water and a viscosity at 40° F. of from about 1,000 to about 5,000 cps before or after thawing. The process includes heating liquid whole egg for a time and temperature which are effective for not coagulating the egg.

Abstract: An aerated frozen product comprising less than 8% fat by weight and characterized in that the aerated frozen product comprises fat platelets, and after it has been melted and cooled, comprises fat platelets and spherical fat globules at a platelet to sphere ratio of greater than 0.05.

Abstract: A method of pasteurizing in-shell chicken eggs by heating eggs until a central portion of the yolks of the eggs is at a temperature between 128° F. to 138.5° F. That temperature is maintained and controlled for times within parameter line A and parameter line B of FIG. 1 and sufficient that any Salmonella species present in the yolk is reduced by at least 5 logs but insufficient that an albumen functionality of the egg measured in Haugh units is substantially less than the albumen functionality of a corresponding unpasteurized in-shell egg.

Abstract: The application describes a system comprising a container made of sterilisation-proof material and, contained therein, sterilised single-portion packs, suitable for storage individually, for foodstuffs or animal food, and a quantity of liquid needed for the sterilisation process, and also a method of sterilising single-portion packs for foodstuffs or animal food which is performed using said system.

Abstract: A composition for disinfecting an animal product comprising an electro-chemically activated, anion-containing aqueous solution. A plant for treating an animal product including a water reservoir (12), a salt feed device (16) for creating an aqueous salt solution, an electrolysis device (18) to produce anolyte and catolyte solutions, an anion mixing tank (28), and a treatment container (30) to apply the solution to an animal product.

Abstract: A coffee concentrate shelf stable for extended periods at ambient temperatures includes an aseptically packaged coffee concentrate of coffee and water obtained through a cold extraction process and processed under ultra high temperature and time conditions having an F0 value in the range of about 1 to 12.

Abstract: A method of pasteurizing in-shell chicken eggs by heating eggs until a central portion of the yolks of the eggs is at a temperature between 128° F. to 138.5° F. That temperature is maintained and controlled for times within parameter line A and parameter line B of FIG. 1 and sufficient that any Salmonella species present in the yolk is reduced by at least 5 logs but insufficient that an albumen functionality of the egg measured in Haugh units is substantially less than the albumen functionality of a corresponding unpasteurized in-shell egg.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and apparatus for producing heat-pasteurized or sterilized beverages from concentrate. The system comprises heating a diluent and combining the first metered diluent stream with a metered stream of beverage concentrate to produce a primary reconstituted beverage solution. The system further provides combining the primary reconstituted beverage solution with a metered second diluent stream to produce a secondary reconstituted solution, wherein the second diluent stream is also directed from the heated diluent, but is cooled to provide direct heat transfer. Various additives may be provided to the beverage solution throughout the system based on their sensitivity to heat, pH and water solubility. The invention provides greater efficiency of production and control over quality and amount of the ingredients in the final beverage.

Abstract: A process for making, or preparing, a reduced-calorie fruit and/or vegetable spread product including whole, natural fruit(s) and/or vegetable(s), or combinations thereof, having improved flavor, texture (e.g., mouth feel), color, and nutritional value as compared to fruit and/or vegetable spread products made with conventional processes. More particularly, the process of the present invention includes a pasteurization step, using a swept-surface heat exchanger, for making fruit and/or vegetable spread products having reduced caloric and sugar content and having increased soluble dietary fiber content. The minimal processing of the present process enables the produced fruit and/or vegetable spread products to retain flavor, texture, color, vitamins and other nutrients which are, typically, lost in traditionally-processed fruit and/or vegetable spread products.

Abstract: A rice pudding formulation which incorporates 2-16% dry weight parboiled medium grain rice which is processed by ultra-high temperature treatment of at least 230° F. for a time effective to produce sporecidal activity and to produce a rice pudding product which has a relatively-low level of microbiological activity and which is suitable for refrigerated distribution. The parboiled, medium grain rice is more tolerant to the high temperature and shear conditions of UHT processing. The rice maintains a soft texture for greater than 60 days of refrigerated storage in the finished rice pudding product.

Abstract: A method for preparing an ambient-stable beverage that is suitable for cold filing. The method involves adding to a beverage at least one pasteurization adjunct that has no appreciable fungicidal activity at a temperature between 0 and 40 degrees C but exhibits fungicidal activity when heated to a temperature between 40 and 65 degrees C, and raising the temperature of the beverage to a temperature between 40 and 65 degrees C in order to activate the fungicidal activity of the pasteurisation adjunct.

Abstract: A drink component thermally sterilized and flavors which has been removed of microorganism by filtration are formulated under aseptic conditions, and a mixture obtained is filled into containers. Milk-containing soft drinks are produced by a process including obtaining a first drink component containing milk and an emulsifier, sterilizing the first drink component at a high temperature and cooling the same, obtaining a second drink component not containing milk, sterilizing the second drink component at a high temperature and cooling the same, obtaining a flavor component removed of microorganism by filtration, and blending the cooled first drink component and the cooled second drink component under aseptic conditions.

Abstract: A method for surface treating animal tissue is provided by the invention. The method includes the steps of providing animal tissue having an average size of between about 0.5 inch and about 16 inches in length, introducing the animal tissue into a bath provided at a temperature of between about 80° C. and about 150° C. for between about 25 seconds and about 150 seconds, and recovering the animal tissue from the water bath. A pasteurization unit is provided for continuous processing of animal tissue.

Abstract: A food additive composition in a ground particulate composition containing multiple vitamins, calcium citrate, sugar, minerals, herbs, at least 70% to 80% by volume of different types of grains, 10%-20% by volume of beans, berries, and cloves. Two different compositions containing dried (1) vegetables and (2) fruits are formulated, and the nutritious and flavorful additive compositions can be added to food being cooked or while eating out.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for the thermal, thermomechanical, hydrothermal or hydrothermomechanical treatment of various natural or transformed alimentary, cosmetic, chemical or pharmaceutical products, in solid, piece, powder, paste, liquid, miscible or nonmiscible liquid mixture, etc. form comprising the precise control of multiple classic thermal processes by accelerating the kinetics, improving the quality of the finished products and reducing the energy consumption and reject rate. These processes generally pertain to the operations of pasteurization, sterilization and/or packaging of solid products in piece or powder form, the thermal modification of the materials (gelatinization, for example), their structure and/or their texture, or the separation of their compounds. The process which is the object of the present invention comprises a step for heating the products to be treated and is characterized by a cooling step based on a pressure drop to vacuum after the heating step.

Abstract: Wet okara is produced by finely dividing wet okara, feeding it into a scraper type heat exchanger, heating at a temperature of not lower than 120° C., cooling the heated product and filling and sealing the cooled product in a container or package aseptically. By this process, wet okara can be sterilized continuously to obtain okara having good preservability without deterioration of water retention characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for eliminating pathogenic organisms and other bacteria from raw food products, such as raw shellfish, whereby the molluscan shellfish is exposed to hydrostatic pressure of relatively high value, for example between 10,000 p.s.i. to 60,000 p.s.i. for 1-15 minutes. The process is conducted at elevated temperatures, in the range of between 50 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving the raw shellfish substantially unaffected, in its desired raw state, such that the pathogenic organisms are destroyed, while sensory characteristics of the raw shellfish remain high. The same process can be used for shucking bivalve mollusks without any mechanical force, with the pressure ranging from 10,000 p.s.i. to 60,000 p.s.i. Taste of raw seafood is enhanced by adding flavor enhancing agents to the pressure vessel before application of pressure.

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: A dietary fiber product obtained from the Indian mulberry (Morinda citrifolia) plant and the process of extracting and purifying the fiber is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the Indian mulberry pulp is washed and separated from the juice by filtration. The wet pulp is pasteurized. The wet pulp can be further processed by drying. A high fiber products can be prepared by mixing the pulp with ingredients, such as supplemental dietary fiber, water, sweeteners, flavoring agents, coloring agents, and nutritional ingredients.

Abstract: A food additive composition in an all-in-one powder composition containing multiple vitamins, calcium citrate, minerals, herbs, beans, peas, corn, grains, flakes, berries, and cloves. The composition is prepared by forming a mixture of the ground beans, corn and peas with the grains, spices, herbs, and vitamins. The mixture is steamed and baked in an oven. At least three different compositions are formulated and with different degrees of spiciness. The nutritious and flavorful additive composition can be added to food being cooked or while eating out.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and apparatus for producing heat-pasteurized or sterilized beverages from concentrate. The system comprises heating a diluent and combining the first metered diluent stream with a metered stream of beverage concentrate to produce a primary reconstituted beverage solution. The system further provides combining the primary reconstituted beverage solution with a metered second diluent stream to produce a secondary reconstituted solution, wherein the second diluent stream is also directed from the heated diluent, but is cooled to provide direct heat transfer. Various additives may be provided to the beverage solution throughout the system based on their sensitivity to heat, pH and water solubility. The invention provides greater efficiency of production and control over quality and amount of the ingredients in the final beverage.

Abstract: An elastic hydrous gel comprising a synergistic mixture of coconut endosperm and carrageenan, preferably in a ratio of at least 1, and more preferably at lest 5, parts coconut to 10 parts carrageenan by weight is disclosed. A process for making the gel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for sterilization of a liquid in a continuous system comprising a series of steps. First the liquid is continuously pumped into a pressurized system. Second, the pressure on the liquid is increased in a first pressurization stage. Next, the liquid is increased in pressure in a second pressurization stage. Fourth, the liquid is held at an elevated pressure for a predetermined period of time to kill off microorganisms within the liquid. The liquid is then rapidly depressurized to fracture microorganisms with the liquid. The apparatus for producing this process includes a continuous liquid treatment system with a pump, a first stage intensifier, a surge drum, a second stage intensifier, a pressure receiver and a pressure reducer. A particulate treatment system may also be included which comprises a pressure receiver, an intensifier, and a recoverer for blending a particulate component with the liquid component.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a batch sterilization system, a controller for use in the batch sterilization system, and a method performed by the controller. The system, controller, and method are used to administer and provide on-line correction of a batch sterilization process performed on a batch of containers. The controller compiles an actual retort time-temperature profile during the batch sterilization process from the actual retort temperatures sensed by a sensor. While this is occurring, the controller controls a batch sterilizer so as to administer an initial portion of the batch sterilization process before a temperature deviation has begun according to a scheduled time-temperature profile. This temperature deviation is between the actual retort time-temperature profile and the scheduled processing time-temperature profile.

Abstract: The present invention provides the discovery that efficient heating of shell eggs can be achieved using convection currents of humidity controlled air. The humidity controlled air heating process described herein provides an efficient and attractive means of pre-heating and/or pasteurizing (i.e., pre-heating and holding) intact shell eggs. Also provided are pasteurized shell eggs produced by the inventive methods. As further aspects, the present invention also provides methods of cooling shell eggs as well as surface sanitizing shell eggs using humidity controlled air.

Abstract: A disinfestation treatment chamber for treating fruit, flower and vegetable commodities subject to infestation by quarantine pests. The commodities are disinfested so as to meet quarantine restrictions without adversely affecting the quality of the commodity. The commodity is heated inside of the chamber in hot air having a relative humidity of 30-85% until the temperature of the commodity exceeds the thermal death point temperature of the target pest but is not so high as to adversely affect the quality of the commodity. The temperature of the commodity is held at this temperature until the pest is killed. The commodity is loaded into the treatment chamber in bins onto a low friction conveyor track system which transports the bins from one end of the chamber to the other. The commodities are treated while they are inside of the treatment chamber. After treatment of the commodities, the bins are unloaded using the low friction conveyor track system out of the opposite end of the treatment chamber.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reduce the generation of smell by sterilization and to improve the taste in carrying out the sterilization of milk or the like, and the method of the present invention is a method where sterilization is carried out after the dissolved oxygen in milk or the like is substituted with nitrogen gas, and the method is characterized in that a step in which nitrogen gas is directly mixed with and dispersed in milk or the like and a step in which milk or the like with which nitrogen gas is not mixed is sprayed from a nozzle(s) to the top of milk or the like, with and in which nitrogen gas has been mixed and dispersed, stored in a nitrogen gas substituting tank under a nitrogen gas atmosphere, are jointly used whereby the dissolved oxygen amount in the milk or the like is reduced by substitution of the dissolved oxygen with nitrogen gas, followed by subjecting to sterilization.

Abstract: A continuous method using gaseous carbon dioxide or a pressurized flow of liquefied carbon dioxide is described to reduce microbial and/or enzymatic activity in a liquid product. The carbon dioxide is combined with a pressurized flow of the liquid product, or the mixture is pressurized after the mixture is formed. The pressure and temperature in the flow regions are maintained at a level which is sufficient to keep the carbon dioxide in a continuous liquid state, but which does not freeze the liquid product. The pressurized mixture of the carbon dioxide and liquid product flows through a reaction zone for a sufficient time to reduce harmful microorganisms and/or inactivate enzymes and then enters one or more expansion stages wherein the pressure of the mixture flow is sufficiently decreased to vaporize the carbon dioxide for separation from the liquid product. If necessary, heat is applied in at least one of the expansion stages to prevent a freezing of the mixture.

Abstract: A hydrostatic sterilization system, a controller for use in the hydrostatic sterilization system, and a method performed by the controller are disclosed. The system, controller, and method are used to administer a sterilization process performed on a line of carriers and to provide on-line handling of a deviation in a scheduled parameter during the process. The carriers carry containers of a shelf stable food product that is to be sterilized in the sterilization process. In addition to the controller, the hydrostatic sterilization system includes a hydrostatic sterilizer. The controller controls the hydrostatic sterilizer in performing the sterilization process according to scheduled parameters. When a deviation in a specific one of the scheduled parameters occurs, the controller identifies those of the carriers that will in response have a total lethality predicted to be delivered to them during the sterilization process that is less than a predefined target lethality.

Abstract: A food supplement, either in the form of a snack bar or a beverage, which contains one or more cartilage enhancing supplements is provided. The cartilage supplements include chondroitin, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid. The food supplement may additionally be fortified with cetyl myristoleate. The beverage is a mixture of a juice drink base which may include a water-based fruit flavored juice prepared using a pasteurization process at a relatively high temperature and a cartilage supplement solution which includes a cartilage supplement prepared at a relatively low temperature. The beverage may be carbonated, non-carbonated or concentrated. The preferred cartilage supplement is glucosamine, preferably associated with a counter ion, more preferably as glucosamine HCl.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for eliminating pathogenic organisms and other bacteria from raw food products, such as raw shellfish, whereby the molluscan shellfish is exposed to hydrostatic pressure of relatively high value, for example between 20,000 p.s.i. to 150,000 p.s.i. for 1-15 minutes. The process is conducted at minimal elevated temperatures, in the range of above ambient temperature to 150° F., leaving the raw shellfish substantially unaffected, in its desired raw state, such that the pathogenic organisms are destroyed, while sensory characteristics of the raw shellfish remain high. The same process can be used for shucking bivalve mollusks without any mechanical force, with the pressure ranging from 10,000 p.s.i. to 100,000 p.s.i. Taste of raw seafood is enhanced by adding flavor enhancing agents to the pressure vessel before application of pressure.

Abstract: A rotary sterilization system, a controller for use in the rotary sterilization system, and a method performed by the controller are disclosed. The system, controller, and method are used to administer a sterilization process performed on a line of containers and provide on-line handling of a deviation in a scheduled parameter during the process. The containers contain a shelf stable food product that is to be sterilized in the sterilization process. In addition to the controller, the rotary sterilization system includes a rotary sterilizer. The controller controls the rotary sterilizer in performing the sterilization process according to scheduled parameters. When a deviation in a specific one of the scheduled parameters occurs, the controller identifies those of the containers that will in response have a total lethality predicted to be delivered to them during the sterilization process that is less than a predefined target lethality.

Abstract: A method for reducing the degradability of protein included in vegetable feed for ruminants by steam treatment of the feed wherein the feed is momentarily subjected to a high temperature at a controlled water content by condensation of water vapor on the feed.

Abstract: In a method and control system for controlling pasteurization of a food product, the internal temperature of the product, at least one pasteurization property change rate of the product based on the internal temperature of the product, and a cumulative pasteurization property change as a function of the pasteurization property change rate and time are at least periodically determined. A value of the cumulative pasteurization property change is at least periodically compared to at least one predetermined value, and a signal is generated when a predetermined relationship arises between the cumulative pasteurization property change value and the predetermined value(s). A cooked food product is preferably pasteurized at a temperature below the temperature at which it was cooked.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for pasteurizing egg products utilizing high frequency radio waves to heat the egg products being pasteurized. Suitable products to be treated include liquid egg products, packaged liquid egg products, and shell eggs. The methods may be used with either continuous processing systems or batch processing systems.

Abstract: A method of obtaining long shelf life liquid egg products, comprising the steps of; (a) selecting at least one of the liquid fractions (9, 10, 11) to be processed obtained after breaking of the eggs: egg white (9), egg yolk (10), whole egg (11); (B) heating the fraction or fractions (9, 10, 11) to a maintenance temperature between approximately 40 and 55° C. for the egg white fraction (9), and preferably 45° C., between 50 and 66° C. for the yolk fraction (10), and preferably 55° C., and between 50 and 66° C. for the egg white and yolk mixture fraction (11), and preferably 55° C.; (C) temperature maintenance of the fraction or fractions (9, 10, 11) at the maintenance temperature for a period between approximately 30 minutes and four days; and cooling to a temperature below approximately 20° C.

Abstract: Nutritionally improved cultured dairy products such as 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%.

Abstract: A coffee concentrate shelf stable for extended periods at ambient temperatures includes an aseptically packaged coffee concentrate of coffee and water obtained through a cold extraction process and processed under ultra high temperature and time conditions having an F0 value in the range of about 1 to 12.

Abstract: The present invention is related a high viscosity xanthan and processes for producing said high viscosity xanthan. In particular, the invention relates to a process for increasing the viscosity of xanthan comprising the steps of: (i) diluting xanthan in a fermentation broth with more than 30 percent by volume of a diluent to said fermentation broth volume; and (ii) pasteurizing said diluted xanthan fermentation broth. A particularly preferred pasteurization process is to utilize steam from a direct steam injection system. Xanthans with increased viscosities have improved product functionality for a number of different commercial applications are produced using the processes of the present invention.

Abstract: Processing techniques for preserving and packaging foods with an extended shelf life that helps overcome the shortcomings of conventional processes. The invention includes four basic innovations—(1) performing the steam cooking and subsequent cooling steps in the same vessel, (2) evacuating the vessel before steam is introduced for cooking, (3) introducing steam into the vessel while the vessel is still under vacuum, and (4) vacuum cooling the cooked food. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, the process includes the steps of placing a food product in a vessel, cooking the food product in the vessel with steam and then cooling the cooked food product in the same vessel without exposing the food product to cooling water or other potential sources of external contamination.

Abstract: A safety sensor mechanism (10) for a rotary sterilizer (16) including a slider plate (40) positioned in the revolving path of cans (11) and movable away from a discharge opening (28) of the sterilizer. The safety mechanism includes slider bars (44) and tubular housings (48) with coil springs (50) for creating a spring-loaded slider plate that yields if engaged by a misaligned can that does not proper eject from the sterilizer.