Abstract: The invention provides flaked fish analogs comprising from about from about 18 to about 25% protein, from about 3 to about 9% fat, and from about 60 to about 85% moisture. The compositions have a realistic fish-like appearance and texture, mostly due to the presence of “flakes” that mimic the flakes of real fish.

Abstract: A method for producing an instant ground meat product from at least one ground meat molded blank which is placed on a rack or a bottom of a drying chamber of a freeze-drier in order to be freeze-dried. A projection surface of the ground meat molded blank has a maximum size, such as maximum diameter or edge length, of 2 to 16 cm on the rack or tray of a freeze-drier and a maximum height of 1 to 4 cm in relation to the rack.

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

Abstract: A method for producing a freeze-dried instant meat product from at least one piece of meat and other optional ingredients. The meat is cooked, blanched, boiled, roasted, or baked during a precooking process before being freeze-dried.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for reformulating foodstuffs to reduce sodium content, while significantly enhancing salt perception and minimizing additional bitterness. In certain embodiments, the invention provides salt taste enhancing compositions including a blend of three potassium salts—namely, potassium chloride, monopotassium phosphate, and potassium citrate—which, when used in conjunction with sodium chloride, significantly enhances the salt perception in foods and beverages, while imparting no or limited bitter aftertaste. In other embodiments, the invention provides salt taste enhancing compositions including potassium chloride in combination with an organic acid and, optionally, an organic acid salt of potassium.

Abstract: A low temperature rendering process for converting animal trimmings to meat product which can be classified as finely textured meat. The low temperature rendering process includes steps of surface treating the trimmings to kill organisms which may be present on the surface of the trimmings; heating the surface treated animal trimmings in a heat exchanger having a first-in and first-out arrangement to provide heating of the animal trimmings to a temperature in the range of about 32° C. to about 43° C.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mixed solution comprising propionate and acetate includes adding acid to a fermentation product to obtain an acidified fermentation product comprising propionate and acetate with a pH in the range of 2.5 to 8. The method optionally includes removing carbonate-related compounds from the mixed solution.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a chew toy for pets has steps of: producing a base layer and an outer layer; shaping the base layer; (c) applying the outer layer to the base layer to manufacture a semifinished material and drying the semifinished material to obtain a chew toy, wherein the base layer has poprice, sweet rice flour and water and the outer layer has soybean, animal parts and glycerol. The chew toy has poprice, sweet rice flour, soybean, animal parts and glycerol, therefore has a nutritional value, is easily digested and has health benefits for the pet, including strengthening their teeth and exercising their palate and jaw.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing irregular pieces of meat from meat products. Further, a method of mass-producing a home-style meat product with an irregular appearance includes combining whole muscle meat with a mixture having a low-phosphate solution and/or a low-salt solution and cooking the combination to produce whole muscle meat logs. Once the whole muscle meat has been cooked, the meat may be pulled, shredded, or sliced on a variety of pulling, shredding, and slicing equipment to create a home-style meat product with an irregular appearance.

Abstract: A method for supplementing the levels of select amino acids in ruminants is provided. Amino acids are susceptible to microbial degradation in the rumen, where the relative susceptibility of an amino acid oligomer is determined primarily by its solubility in the rumen fluid. A method for designing and preparing microbial resistant amino acid oligomers based on relative solubility is also provided. Various compositions containing amino acids are described and shown to resist microbial degradation in ruminants.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns finishing rations for increasing the meat quantity of a silage-fed animal, and methods of using the same. In some embodiments, a corn silage produced from a corn variety exhibiting reduced lignin content (e.g., BMR corn) is used to replace conventional silage in a finishing ration. In some embodiments, corn silage produced from a corn variety exhibiting reduced lignin content (e.g., BMR corn) is used to replace grain corn in a finishing ration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a moist pet treat and a method of making the pet treat. More particularly, the invention relates to a moist pet treat comprising an animal by-product selected from the group consisting of a snout, ear, lung, heart, brain, cartilage, organ tissue, muscle tissue, and bone tissue and a humectant.

Abstract: A formed lump of shellfish meat is manufactured by placing cooked shellfish meat into a mold, placing raw shellfish meat into a mold, compressing the shellfish meat, and cooking the compressed shellfish meat to make a formed lump of shellfish meat. The shellfish meat may be crab, scallops, shrimp, or lobster.

Abstract: Oilseed plants which have been transformed to produce arachidonic acid, recombinant constructs used in such transformations, methods for producing arachidonic acid in a plant are described and uses of oils and seeds obtained from such transformed plants in a variety of food and feed applications are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foodstuff and methods and systems of making the same.

Abstract: A formulation for parenteral administration which includes selenomethionine and at least one oil-based vehicle. The formulation is used for elevating the selenium levels in the blood, milk and/or meat of an animal. These products (i.e. milk and meat) and the formulation itself are used to meet the selenium nutritional requirement for growth and health in a selenium deficient animal.

Abstract: By using transglutaminase with calcium chloride or magnesium chloride as active ingredients, food raw materials such as meat pieces can be sufficiently adhesion-molded without using a protein material.

Abstract: A packed frozen sushi product comprising a vacuumed, frozen and hermetically sealed flexible plastic bag, an open-topped plastic box placed in the bag, a laminated metal foil placed on the bottom of said box, and a frozen sushi product contained in the box with a surface or surfaces of its sushi material or materials on the laminated metal foil; the plastic bag, the box, the laminated metal foil and the frozen sushi product being frozen together in a unified form, the packed frozen sushi product thereby being adapted for microwave cooking. Water vapor emanating from the sushi product in thawing is allowed to flow through a space formed around the sushi material to heat a shaped rice section and the sushi material or materials, thereby diminishing unevenness in temperature distribution after thawing. By virtue thereof, a packed frozen sushi product suitable for mass production is provided.

Abstract: A packed frozen sushi product comprising a vacuumed, frozen and hermetically sealed flexible plastic bag; an open-topped plastic box placed in the bag; and a frozen sushi product contained in the box; in the plastic bag, the box and the frozen sushi product being frozen together in a unified form, the packed frozen sushi product thereby being adapted for microwave cooking. Water vapor emanating from the sushi product in thawing is allowed to flow through a space formed around the sushi material to heat a shaped rice section and a material or materials, thereby diminishing unevenness in temperature distribution after thawing. By virtue thereof, a packed frozen sushi product suitable for mass production is provided.

Abstract: A range of shelf stable baby food products wherein the content of undesirable ingredients is controlled according to a stage of infant development. Methods for assessing the safety of a baby food product ingredient are also provided.

Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of cholesterol and/or improving the texture and/or reducing weight loss and/or increasing the fat stability of a meat based food product comprising: a) contacting meat with a lipid acyltransferase; b) incubating the meat contacted with the lipid acyltransferase at a temperature between about 1° C. to about 70° C.; c) producing a food product from the meat; wherein step b) is conducted before, during or after step c). Use of a lipid acyltransferase to reduce cholesterol in a meat based food product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a protein hydrolysate. The invention further relates to a protein hydrolysate produced using the method, and to food products comprising such protein hydrolysate.

Abstract: There is provided use of a conversion agent to prepare from a food material a foodstuff comprising at least one functional ingredient, wherein the at least one functional ingredient has been generated from at least one constituent of the food material by the conversion agent.

Abstract: The invention provides palatability enhancers containing at least one animal digest and at least one surfactant and methods for using such palatability enhancers to enhance the palatability of comestible compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides a high throughput, high purity, high yield system and method of isolating and purifying rebaudioside A (“Reb A”), with acceptable water solubility for all commercial uses, from commercially available Stevia rebaudiana starting material. The invention also provides a means of maximizing yields of 99+% purity Reb A based on the attributes of a given batch of Stevia starting material. The purity of the Reb A final product, up to 99+% purity, can be selected based on a starting material assay.

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

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for improving, enhancing or modifying the foodstuff through the addition of an effective amount of the following compound wherein R and R1 may be selected from hydrogen or a C1 to C5 alkyl group.

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

Abstract: A method of heating an object using a dielectric heating. The method comprises positioning an object in a cavity of a dielectric heating oven, allowing a user to allocate an amount of energy to dissipate in the object during a temperature elevation of the object, and elevating the temperature of the object by using the dielectric heating oven according to the amount of energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microbes in food products. In an embodiment the invention is a preservative composition including lactic acid or a salt thereof, acetic acid or a salt thereof, and propionic acid or a salt thereof. In an embodiment, the invention is a food product including lactic acid or a salt thereof, acetic acid or a salt thereof, and propionic acid or a salt thereof. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of making a food product including adding an antimicrobial preservative composition to a composition comprising a meat, the antimicrobial preservative composition comprising lactic acid or a salt thereof, propionic acid or a salt thereof, and acetic acid or a salt thereof. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A system providing for on-site reclamation and re-use of reclaimed antimicrobial solution includes a dispenser, at least one receptacle, piping, and at least one pump. The dispenser sprays antimicrobial solution toward moving raw food products. Unspent antimicrobial solution that did not contact the moving raw food products and rebound antimicrobial solution that did contact the raw food products combine to form a reclaimed antimicrobial solution. The reclaimed antimicrobial solution is collected in the receptacle and is pumped through the piping to a location for reuse.

Abstract: A system and method wherein meat product constituents are mixed under a high shear force to combine the constituents into a mixture having a stable protein matrix is disclosed. The system incorporates mixing devices in a housing into which the input streams are directed. The system then applies a high shear force over a small volume to mix the constituents together, thereby rapidly combining the meat constituents and other ingredients to rapidly form a stable protein matrix and eliminate the need for a curing stage for protein extraction.

Abstract: A method for treating biological tissue, particularly meats for human consumption, so as to sanitize the tissue, is described. The method inactivates microorganisms and pathogenic prions (proteins) in the tissue.

Abstract: A method of preparing a shelf stable meat product includes mixing a brine solution and then adding the brine solute to a meat product. The meat product is then cooked to have a water activity of less than 0.85 and packaged in a material having low oxygen and moisture vapor transmission rate. The packaged product is then pasteurized.

Abstract: The application relates, in particular, to a salting composition comprising at least two potassium salts at least one of which is a potassium organic salt. The application likewise relates to a method of preparing a food product comprising at least one step consisting of adding said composition to a food product. Finally, the application also relates to the use of said composition as a salting agent.

Abstract: The disclosed inventions include microalgal biomass high in protein and fiber, wherein the biomass has been manufactured through heterotrophic fermentation. The materials provided herein are useful for the manufacture of meat substitutes and meat enhancers, as well as other food products that benefit from the addition of digestible protein and dietary fiber. Structural properties of foods are enhanced through the use of such materials, including texture and water retention properties. High in protein and fiber food materials of the invention can be manufactured from edible and inedible heterotrophic fermentation feedstocks, including corn starch, sugar cane, glycerol, and depolymerized cellulose.

Abstract: A pet food is provided, comprising a sorbent food body and a fluid carrier comprising a functional ingredient absorbed into the body. The body preferably is relatively moist, having a moisture content for example of from 35% to 60% by weight and firm structure that is resilient under initial biting by a pet animal. Protein content is preferably at least 20% by weight. The sorptivity of the body is increased by depleting the body of a first liquid, for example by causing drying by exposure to a source of dry heat, such as in roasting, grilling, frying and baking. Methods of manufacture are disclosed including providing a sorptive food body, causing the body to take up a carrier fluid containing a functional ingredient and packing the body in suitable packaging. The invention further provides delivery means for delivering a functional ingredient to a pet animal, the delivery means comprising a sorbent food body with the functional ingredient absorbed therein.

Abstract: A vacuum tumbler for marinating food products within a liquid. The vacuum tumbler comprises a container having an interior wall, the interior wall defining a chamber for containing the liquid. A rib extends inwardly from the interior wall at least one-quarter of the distance across the chamber. A drive moves the container so that the rib brings the food products into and out of contact with the liquid, and a vacuum source creates a partial vacuum within the chamber.

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: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to a eukaryote of the order Thraustochytriales and family Thraustochytriaceae which when cultured produce quantities of unsaturated fatty acids, such as omega 3 (n-3) and/or omega 6 (n-6) oils, such as DHA, EPA and DPA, capable of being purified and used as all such compositions are used and more, because of their means of production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preparation method of vegetable extract fermented solution and a vegetable extract fermented solution prepared by the same. The vegetable extract fermented solution prepared from nitrate-containing vegetables according to the present invention is used for the production of meat products to improve characteristic meat color and inhibit lipid oxidation without using synthetic nitrite.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of processing porkhide dog chews. The method includes the step of first subjecting pigskin rawhide to defatting and depilation treatment. Then the rawhide is split to obtain a first, a second, a third and a fourth layer of rawhide material. The rawhide material undergoes defatting, rinsing, and sun-drying to produce a finished hide product. The hide product is smoked to achieve objectives of dying and flavoring to result in a finished porkhide dog chew product.

Abstract: There is provided use of a conversion agent to prepare from a food material a foodstuff comprising at least one functional ingredient, wherein the at least one functional ingredient has been generated from at least one constituent of the food material by the conversion agent.

Abstract: One or more meat products are positioned in a meat chilling enclosure in which cooled air is added to cool the contents of the enclosure. A water spray including a desired carbon monoxide content in solution is introduced into the meat chilling enclosure. The desired carbon monoxide content may comprise no more than approximately the maximum carbon monoxide content that is held in solution in the spray water at approximately the temperature at which the spray water is introduced into the meat chilling enclosure. Alternatively, carbon monoxide held in solution in the spray water may be limited to approximately the maximum carbon monoxide content that is held in solution in the spray water at a maximum temperature maintained in the meat chilling enclosure. A pH increasing material such as ammonia gas or ammonium hydroxide solution may also be added to the meat chilling enclosure to produce and maintain a desired ammonia gas content in the enclosure atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of thawing one or more frozen blocks of meat, said blocks of meat being composed of units of meat frozen together. This object is achieved in that the frozen blocks of meat are placed in a drum of a massage system, said drum comprising carriers, and a liquid having a temperature higher than that of the frozen blocks of meat is supplied in the interior of the massage wings, and that brine having a temperature higher than that of the frozen blocks of meat is supplied to the drum. The drum rotates/revolves, and the blocks of meat are continuously broken up into smaller units of meat. Preferably, a negative pressure is established in the drum during thawing.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to biopolymer structures. The biopolymer structures are spatially organized from the nanometer to centimeter length scales and incorporate functionally active cells. Applications of the biopolymer structures include use with stem cells.

Abstract: The invention provides animal meat compositions and simulated animal meat compositions. In addition, the invention provides a process for producing animal meat compositions and simulated animal meat compositions. The process comprises producing the animal meat compositions and simulated animal meat compositions under conditions of low pH.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing protein exudate on meat product. The system utilizes input hoppers and eliminates standing time for the meats. The elimination of a standing time for curing or protein extraction eliminates the ability for visible surface protein exudate to form.

Abstract: A processed meat food or a processed fishery food having improved physical properties and taste can be obtained by contacting meat or fish with a transglutaminase and an enzyme having a saccharide transfer activity for converting an ?-1,4 bond to an ?-1,6 bond in the process for producing the processed meat food or the processed fishery food.

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