Abstract: A molded animal chew toy or pet treat that is formed by molding of textured vegetable protein (TVP). The TVP may include fibrous material and may be combined with a resin (binder) and a plasticizer and formed by a heating molding machine, such as an injection molding or extrusion operation. The resin and plasticizer content may be selected to optimize the molding process.

Abstract: A method for seasoning meat comprising providing at least a portion of a processed meat, applying a first adhesive layer on a surface of the at least a portion of the processed meat, and adhering a first seasoning blend to the at least a portion of the processed meat by utilizing the first adhesive layer.

Abstract: Novel processes for the production of soy protein isolates having reduced off-flavors from conventional hydrolyzed soy protein isolates are disclosed. One embodiment includes an extraction and separation process for removing bitter components to achieve soy protein isolates with reduced bitter flavor. The produced soy protein isolates are suitable for use in a number of food products.

Abstract: A method of creating jerky formulations through a nutraceutical marinade that result in the creation of sports enhanced supplemental jerky. This allows individuals to supplement their nutraceutical intake while traveling or participating in athletic activities without storing or transporting supplements or liquids required to take supplements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved binder system to stabilize and improve yield for thermally processed meat products such as those that are used in canning or retort operations. More specifically, the present invention pertains to the novel starch/binder matrix that produces a meat product having enhanced moisture flavor and texture over those treated using currently available techniques. The novel matrix uses a combination of starches that provide differential water holding and moisture control for the meat products treated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention is an enhanced fresh meat composition and method of making the same. The fresh processed meat composition is made from post-rigor meat and includes a bicarbonate additive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing dry sausages by the successive processing steps of: A) manufacturing a half-finished product which is still to be dried and consists of a skin filled with a sausage filling, and B) drying the half-finished product for a period of more than one day, wherein the half-finished products are moved, optionally intermittently, during drying. The invention also relates to an apparatus for manufacturing dry sausages, comprising means for manufacturing half-finished products consisting of a skin filled with a sausage filling still to be dried, and a container for drying a plurality of half-finished products for dry sausages in a drying space with a frame in which at least one endless conveyor is arranged, which conveyor is provided with a plurality of product carriers and wherein the conveyor with product carriers is displaceable relative to the frame.

Abstract: Novel bioactive peptide compositions and process for producing the same and the use of such compositions for enhancing the growth of warm blooded animals and fish is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a food product and a method of creating the food product that satisfies the need for a homogenized dispersion that disperses throughout meat, wherein the particle size of macromolecular ingredients within the dispersion is reduced to form a more stable homogenized dispersion with increased ingredient functionality. This permeated meat offers added health benefits such as the substitution of the anti-oxidant rich olive oil for problematic animal fat.

Abstract: The invention provides animal meat compositions and simulated animal meat compositions. In addition, the invention provides a process for producing structured colored protein-containing products. The process comprises co-extruding a protein-containing material and a reducing sugar under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in domestic animals. It is specifically directed to compositions containing phosphate binders that are palatable to domestic animals and methods using such compositions. In a composition aspect, the present invention provides a composition that includes: a rare earth compound (e.g., lanthanum oxycarbonate or lanthanum carbonate hydroxide), calcium salts (e.g, calcium carbonate or calcium acetate), aluminum salts (e.g., aluminum hydroxide or a hydrophilic exchange resin; and an ingredient of domestic animal food, wherein the ingredient is selected from a group consisting of chicken, beef, lamb, chicken meal or lamb meal, corn, rice, bone meal, fish meal, fish, egg product, beef, beef meal, corn gluten meal, poultry by-product meal, wheat flour, beef tallow, maple syrup, honey, apple, flaxseed, flaxseed meal, rice bran and germ, oats, barley, and wheat bran.

Abstract: High pressure processing (HPP) uses isostatic pressure to evenly apply great pressures to foods on all sides of the foods. Because the pressure is isostatic, the food is not deformed, so long as there is no internal cavity in the food. The pressures used are preferably from about 100 MPa (about 14.5 ksi) to about 1000 MPa (about 145 ksi), and the temperature rise is preferably limited to about 3° C. (about 5° F.) per 100 MPa (about 14.5 ksi). The high pressure dramatically reduces pathogens in the food so processed, as much as a four or five-log reduction in counts of colony forming units (CFU). The process has been shown to be effective in achieving these reductions in E. Coli, listeria, and salmonella. Pieces or sticks of beef jerky or sausage may be processed via HPP and combined with cheese to form a food product with a long shelf life.

Abstract: A cherry based additive is a stable powder comprising a mixture of cherry powder, fiber and gum. The cherry powder is made from a cherry puree. A marinade comprises water, phosphate, salt and about 6% by weight cherry concentrate made from the puree or from the cherry powder.

Abstract: A pet treat includes an outer layer of meat and an inner layer of rawhide that is surrounded by the outer layer of meat. During a dehydration step that is performed for more than twenty-four hours, the rawhide is flavored by liquid seeped from the meat.

Abstract: Improved and outgrowth protection against Clostridium perfringens in meat products is obtained by incorporating into the meat product 0.05 to about 2% of sodium acetate or sodium diacetate in addition to about 0.2% to about 4% of citric acid buffered sodium citrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nutritional kit for use in preparing an individual for a predetermined activity which requires a clean digestive tract, particularly the colon. Such predetermined activities include, but are not limited to, gastrointestinal surgery and colon screenings. Specifically, the present invention provides an individual low amounts of fat, dietary fiber and solid food content to minimize stool formation and/or facilitate removal of stool from the digestive tract prior to the predetermined activity. The present invention also provides the individual with sufficient calories and nutrition to enable the individual to conduct daily, routine activities while utilizing the present invention.

Abstract: A method for producing a jerked meat rawhide chew toys has acts of providing rawhide chew toys, preparing meat, processing the meat, coating the rawhide chew toys with meat and drying the rawhide chew toys coated with meat. According to the method, the rawhide chew toys are coated with meat and jerked to improve dogs' desire to chew rawhide chew toys a long time to achieve the objective of cleaning dogs' teeth better.

Abstract: The present invention creates a process for treating the surface of fresh meat, in which the meat is treated with a hydrocolloid based on collagen, in particular gelatine, animal glues, collagen, caseins, whey proteins and/or their hydrolysates as well as their mixtures with one another. In particular a weight loss of the meat during storage due to escaping drip is thereby prevented. In the process according to the invention the meat is preferably treated with 0.2 to 1.5 wt % of hydrocolloid, referred to the weight of the meat. It is possible with said process to treat all kinds of meat suitable for human consumption, in particular mammal meat, poultry and fish.

Abstract: A palatability enhancing composition for extruded pet food containing at least one tripolyphosphate salt in an amount effective to enhance palatability and at least one ingredient selected from meat products, meat by-products, fish products, fish by-products, dairy products, dairy by-products, sources of microbial proteins, vegetable proteins, carbohydrates and amino acids. Methods for enhancing pet food palatability with the disclosed palatability enhancing compositions and extruded pet food compositions coated therewith are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for treating meat by the application of a shock wave to the meat while the meat is in contact with a diaphragm which is substantially transparent to the shockwave, confines the meat within a tunnel. In addition, the diaphragm and shock wave generating chamber are preferably disposed above the meat.

Abstract: Cooked, uncured pork products having an appearance and taste of cured pork products is provided wherein a brine solution is injected into the pork product and the pork products are smoked in a smokehouse using a plurality of stages wherein the pork products are heated to predetermined temperatures in the pressure of controlled humidity for a prescribed period of time. The cooked, uncured pork products are substantially free of nitrates and/or nitrites.

Abstract: A ham product and method for production thereof described herein separate bone-in hams into smaller pieces. Accordingly, pieces of bone-in ham, even those spirally-sliced, will be available to consumers in smaller portions. Unlike conventional methods, however, the ham product and method for production does not cut the femur bone longitudinally. As a result, one piece of the bone-in ham has substantially no bones. A method for separating a bone-in ham comprises the steps of providing a first separation through the ham to provide a first portion and a second portion, and providing a second separation through the first portion, wherein only one of the first separation or second separation is through a femur bone.

Abstract: A method for producing a jerked meat rawhide chew toys has steps of forming rawhide chew toys, preparing neat, processing the meat, coating the rawhide chew toys with meat and drying the rawhide chew toys coated with meat. According to the method, the rawhide chew toys are coated with meat and jerked to improve dogs' desire to chew rawhide chew toys a long time to achieve the objective of cleaning dogs' teeth better.

Abstract: A meat product or a processed meat product coated with a film of curdlan gel is prepared.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel appetizing agent containing trisodium pyrophosphate combine with a flavour and a taste enhancer, for dry or semi-dry foods for domestic animals, and a method for enhancing appetence of said foods. The invention also concerns a method for increasing and enhancing the taste of flavours and other factors of taste present in domestic animal foods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evacuating pockets of injected fluid in meat products involves the structure and use of a machine which has a longitudinal movable conveyor surface on the machine; a fluid injection station on the machine for injecting fluid into a meat product on the conveyor surface; a second station on the machine downstream of the fluid injection station; the second station comprising an assembly for applying compressive pressure to the injected meat and penetrating the meat with a plurality of projecting elements to create a plurality of fluid conduits in the injected meat wherein the compressive pressure will force fluid out of the injected meat through the fluid conduits when the projecting elements penetrate the pockets of fluid.

Abstract: For process for production of raw ham a deboned ham is weighed and preferably its pH-value is determined. The hams are individually introduced into shaping containers having watertight walls, wherein they are salted with a salt amount, which is calculated based upon the weight and preferably the pH-value. The shaping containers are stacked, so that the ham is shaped under pressure in these shaping containers, wherein they are held in the brine filled shaping containers with exclusion of air.

Abstract: A method and system for making processed meat products employing a feed-forward analysis wherein input streams are analyzed and their flow rates are controlled relative to each other. The system incorporates mixing devices in a housing through which the input streams are forced. The mixing devices provide high shear mixing and blending, and in some cases maceration and salt infusion for rapid protein extraction.

Abstract: A process for cooking a food in oil and/or fat is provided. A dry protein mixture, a dry alkaline protein mixture, an aqueous alkaline protein mixture or an aqueous acidic protein is added to a food prior to cooking. The dry protein mixture, dry alkaline protein mixture, aqueous alkaline protein mixture and aqueous acidic protein solution comprise myofibrillar proteins and sarcoplasmic proteins substantially free of myofibrils and sarcomeres. The amount of oil and/or fat absorbed by the food during cooking is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A peptide composition derived from a protein composition when added to uncooked food effects moisture retention during cooking of the food. The peptide composition is derived from a dry protein mixture or an aqueous acidic protein solution which, in turn, is derived from animal muscle tissue. The peptide composition is added to uncooked poultry, meat or fish prior to cooking. The dry protein mixture and aqueous acidic protein solution comprise myofibrillar proteins and sarcoplasmic proteins substantially free of myofibrils and sarcomeres.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing meat such as, but not limited to, turkey breast meat. The meat is vacuum tumbled prior to coagulation of blood within the meat, and the blood is withdrawn from the meat. The meat is then injected with a brine solution, tumbled, and further processed.

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 calcium supplement for animals comprising one or more coatings over a calcium-containing core. The coatings provide additional nutrients as well as providing a moisture-resistant outer coating to reduce the hygroscopic effects of the calcium-containing core. The supplement comprises calcium-containing core particles, calcium chloride for example, each particle having an animal nutrient coating over an outer surface of the core particles. The supplement further comprises a second coating, urea, deposited over the nutrient coating, and a final outer coating comprising one or more fatty acids or paraffinic hydrocarbons that are agreeable to animals. The method for making a calcium supplement for animals comprises coating calcium-containing granules with a layer of nutrients and then spraying molten soluble urea onto the previously coated calcium-containing granules which are sufficiently cool to solidify the molten material into second coating on the granules.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide is injected into the interior of the meat product along with other materials to produce a desired carbon monoxide saturation level. The amount of carbon monoxide in the added fluid is controlled to produce a desired carbon monoxide saturation level distributed substantially evenly throughout the volume of the meat product. This desired saturation level may vary depending upon the nature of the meat product being treated, however, the saturation level will generally remain at less than 100% or complete saturation for most meat products. The liquid added to meat product may be added simultaneously with the carbon monoxide or may be added as a pre-treatment before application of carbon monoxide or as a post-treatment after the application of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: Methods for coagulating collagen and producing a food product by contacting the collagen with a solution comprising at least about 40% by weight of a phosphate salt mixture wherein the phosphate salt mixture is comprised of at least two phosphate salts selected from the group consisting of monosodium phosphate, disodium phosphate, trisodium phosphate, monopotassium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, and tripotassium phosphate.

Abstract: A hypoallergenic dietary composition is provided for companion animals such as dogs and cats which contains a source of hydrolyzed protein, a source of fat, and a source of carbohydrates. The composition preferably further includes a fiber source. The dietary composition may also be administered to companion animals as a method of managing and/or diagnosing food allergies.

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

Abstract: A method for processing and treating meat to reduce an appearance of holes after the meat has been cooked includes infusing the meat with sodium bicarbonate, placing the infused meat in a vessel, and applying a vacuum within the vessel.

Abstract: An enclosure treatment method includes introducing a pH increasing material into an enclosure adapted to contain meat products. Introducing the pH increasing material creates a desired pH increasing gas content in the atmosphere within the enclosure. The method also includes the step of maintaining the pH increasing gas content in the enclosure atmosphere while meat products are contained in the enclosure. The pH increasing gas in the enclosure atmosphere is absorbed into water in the enclosure to increase the pH of the water. The water affected in the present treatment process may be moisture collecting on various surfaces within the enclosure, or may be moisture within the meat products being stored in the enclosure. In any event, the increased pH is inhospitable to most microbes and reduces or suppresses microbe activity in the water either by retarding propagation or killing microbes outright.

Abstract: A low cholesterol protein composition derived from animal muscle tissue is provided. The low cholesterol protein composition is added to meat or fish prior to cooking to retain moisture during cooking in the fish or meat.

Abstract: A method for injecting or forcing an ammonia-based pH modifying material into the interior of a meat product to raise the pH at one or more points within the interior of the meat product preferably to a pH above approximately 6.0. The ammonia-based pH modifying material may comprise aqueous ammonia (ammonium hydroxide solution) or a gas including some ammonia gas fraction. The temperature of the meat product may be controlled to a temperature near or just below the initial freezing temperature of the meat product during the time that the pH modifying material is injected. pH decreasing materials may be injected into the interior of the meat product either before or after injection the ammonia-based pH modifying material.

Abstract: An improved method of marinating and reconstituting meat from trims of fish, poultry, pork, beef or the like comprises the steps of freezing the trims, adding marinade to the frozen trims and compressing the frozen trims to a sufficient pressure to lower the freezing point below the temperature of the frozen trims such that the marinade is diffused through the trims and purge is formed on the outer surface of the trims so as to hold the trims together.

Abstract: Glucosamine salts and derivatives are effective for the improvement of blood flow, and hence, for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases caused by blood flow disturbances, such as thrombosis. Use of glucosamine salts or glucosamine derivatives as active ingredients can provide blood flow improvers, thrombosis preventives or remedies, and dietetic drinks or foods for the improvement of blood flow or for the prevention and/or treatment of thrombosis. Administration of glucosamine salts or glucosamine derivatives can improve blood flow and can prevent and/or treat thrombosis.

Abstract: An animal protein-containing food product contains animal protein, water and an amount of an alkali silicate effective to enhance the moisture retention of the muscle food product. A method for treating an animal protein-containing food product to improve the moisture retention of the food product includes the step of contacting the muscle food product or food product ingredient with an alkali silicate.

Abstract: Novel bioactive peptide compositions and process for producing the same and the use of such compositions for enhancing the growth of warm blooded animals and fish is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparation of nutritionally upgraded oilseed meals which are protein and lipid-rich and have a reduced fiber content, and plant oils from oilseeds for use in fish or other non-human animal diets or human foods comprising the steps of: providing a source of oilseed; subjecting the oilseed to heat treatment to substantially reduce the concentration of at least some antinutritional components normally present in the oilseed to obtain heat-treated seed; dehulling the heat-treated seed to produce a meat fraction, a hull fraction or a mixture thereof; and cold pressing the meat fraction or the mixture to yeild the plant oils and the protein and lipid-rich meals.

Abstract: A low temperature rendering process for converting animal trimmings to meat product which can be classified as finely textured meal. 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 form a heated slurry; separating a solids stream and a liquids stream from the heated slurry, the solids stream containing an increased amount of protein and the liquids stream containing an increased amount of tallow, separating a heavy phase and a light phase from the liquids stream, the heavy phase containing an increased amount of moisture and water soluble protein, and the light phase containing an increased amount of tallow, and combining the solids stream and the heavy phase to form a meat product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evacuating pockets of injected fluid in meat products involves the structure and use of a machine which has a longitudinal movable conveyor surface on the machine; a fluid injection station on the machine for injecting fluid into a meat product on the conveyor surface; a second station on the machine downstream of the fluid injection station; the second station comprising an assembly for applying compressive pressure to the injected meat and penetrating the meat with a plurality of projecting elements to create a plurality of fluid conduits in the injected meat wherein the compressive pressure will force fluid out of the injected meat through the fluid conduits when the projecting elements penetrate the pockets of fluid.

Abstract: A pH increasing material is placed in contact with the surface of an initial comminuted meat product. This contact with the pH increasing material increases the pH of the initial meat product to produce an intermediate meat product. The method also includes the step of removing the pH increasing material and preferably applying a driving force to the intermediate, pH increased meat product. The method may also include placing a pH lowering gas at a neutralizing pressure in contact with the surface of the intermediate meat product to decrease the pH of the meat product back to a final level.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a method for processing a plurality of food products includes loading the food products into a vacuum tumbler, filling the vacuum tumbler to a predetermined level with a processing solution having a pH level within a predetermined range, withdrawing air from the vacuum tumbler to create a partial vacuum, rotating the vacuum tumbler for a predetermined time period to expose the food products to the processing solution and the partial vacuum, periodically adding, during the predetermined time period, a predetermined amount of an organic acid to the processing solution to maintain the pH level within the predetermined range, and removing the food products from the vacuum tumbler after the predetermined time period.