Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reducing microbial contamination on carcass, meat, or meat product; or on surfaces used in processing the carcass, meat, or meat product; employing compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, and to the compositions. The methods include applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to carcass, meat, meat product or surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reducing microbial contamination on poultry, or on surfaces used in processing poultry, employing compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, and to the compositions. The methods include applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to poultry or to the surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reducing microbial contamination on poultry, or on surfaces used in processing poultry, employing compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, and to the compositions. The methods include applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to poultry or to the surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a stable alkali metal lactate in powder form, the product of said preparation, functional pre-mixes for foodstuff comprising said stable alkali metal lactate powder, and foodstuffs comprising said stable alkali metal lactate powder. In the method according to the invention, a concentrate that contains alkali metal lactate is processed, with cooling, in a mixer/extruder to form a powder of the alkali metal lactate. According to the invention the alkali metal lactates in powder form are stable for at least 48 hours.

Abstract: The invention provides a curing agent comprising a plant-based nitrite derived from plant material comprising nitrate and a process for preparing the curing agent comprising contacting a plant material with an organism capable of converting nitrate to nitrite. The curing agent can be used to preserve or cure meat or meat products.

Abstract: A food flavoring encapsulate includes an encapsulated substrate, such as salt, wherein the substrate is encapsulated by a flavored oil. The flavored oil incorporates a Maillard reaction product and is preferably substantially free of water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food casing from a two-dimensional fiber structure, which is coated on one or both sides with acrylic resin. The acrylic resin is combined with at least one other natural and/or synthetic polymer. The acrylic resin in the coating may be admixed with the other polymer. The latter can also form a layer of it's own. On the inside of the casing (i.e. on the side facing the food), this coating prevents gelling out, while at the outside it has a mainly permeability-increasing effect. The casing is particularly used as artificial sausage casing, especially for cooked-smoked sausages.

Abstract: The present invention is related to food for preventing fatness and hyperlipidemia, which shows prominent effects capable of providing food excellent for preventing fatness and hyperlipidemiaby preparing powders or mixed powders, boiling water extracts or ethanol extracts of plants containing plenty of bioflavonoid substances, polyphenolic substances or diet fibers, and then treating meats products, processed meats products or dairy products with those preparation.

Abstract: Compositions (including pharmaceutical compositions, foods, supplements, toys and treats) comprising a microbial exopolysaccharide are provided as well as methods for preventing or reducing diarrhea in a mammal wherein the method comprises administering a therapeutically amount of a microbial exopolysaccharide to a mammal in need thereof.

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 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: Methods of detaching microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) from, or of inhibiting microbial (e.g., bacterial) attachment to, animal or poultry carcasses or seafood or parts thereof, wherein the method involves contacting animal or poultry carcasses or seafood or parts thereof at least once with at least one of the following: (i) a polysulfated polysaccharide, (ii) carboxymethyl cellulose, or (iii) guanidine or arginine, optionally together with sodium chloride and at least one non-ionic surfactant, or (iv) mixtures thereof, in an amount effective to detach microorganisms (e.g., bacteria) from, or inhibit microbial (e.g., bacterial) attachment to, animal or poultry carcasses or seafood or parts thereof.

Abstract: A solid seasoning product in the form of a stick, rod, thread, band, bead, pellet or ribbon from 20 mils to 250 mils thick and having a geometry as a shaped mass that enables the product to be inserted into or mixed with food comprising meat, poultry, rice, grains or other particulate foods prior to heating to prepare the food. The product is composed of a binder matrix holding a seasoning or mixture of seasonings. The binder disintegrates during heating of the food to release the seasoning.

Abstract: The present invention is a pretreatment agent for a fish food which comprises, in a mixture, 1–30% (v/v) of ethanol, 5–25% (w/v) of citrate and 0.5–50% (w/v) of at least one inorganic salt selected from the group consisting of phosphate, carbonate and bicarbonate, and a process for pretreating a fish food which comprises contacting the pretreatment agent with the fish food.

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 relates to methods for tenderizing meat comprising contacting meat with a tenderizing-effective amount of a thermolabile protease having limited substrate specificity, wherein the limited substrate specificity is the digestion of only one of the two major protein components of meat.

Abstract: A dipping agent for meat comprising an enzyme hydrolysate of an egg white protein; and a composition for dipping meat comprising the above dipping agent. The dipping agent can be used in food industries.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition having protein, transglutaminase and a transglutaminase suppressing compound such as an ammonium salt, which is useful in the preparation of pickle solutions and in methods of making processed meat products with the pickle solution.

Abstract: Echinacea dietary supplements are useful adjuvants for live anticoccidial vaccines. Feed supplementation with Echinacea preparations enhances the immune response to such vaccines. Echinacea purpurea in amounts of about 0.1% to 0.5% administered for about two weeks to day-old chicks has been found effective for providing significant weight gain compared to vaccination alone.

Abstract: A balanced powder blend composition with at least one fat or oil source, at least one carbohydrate source, and at least one protein source, is described. This composition is advantageously added to a food to supplement the nutritional value of the food, but without substantially altering the taste of the food. The energetic amount of protein is between about 20% and 30%, the energetic amount of oil is between about 40% and 50%, and the energetic amount of carbohydrate is between about 25% and 35%. The carbohydrate source can be maltodextrin, the fat or oil source can be canola oil and/or milk fat, and the protein source can be whey protein, casein, a casein salt, or a mixture thereof. The mixture is prepared by admixing the ingredients with water, heating and homogenizing the mixture, and spray drying the mixture into a powder. An emulsifier can be added to the composition.

Abstract: A method of making a bacon product from a frozen bacon belly is disclosed. The method includes the steps of cutting the frozen bacon belly into slices of a predetermined shape, and coating the bacon slices with an aqueous brine solution to result in a brine solution uptake in each of the bacon slices of about 8 wt. % to about 15 wt. %. The bacon slices have a sodium nitrite content of about 18 ppm up to about 80 ppm. The method also includes the step of heating the brine-soaked bacon slices to form the bacon product. An aqueous brine solution includes a salt (e.g., sodium chloride), a low amount of sodium nitrite or sodium nitrate, and a phosphate. Optionally, the brine solution can include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of sugar, sodium ascorbate, and an agent for imparting a smoke flavor to the bacon product.

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 a phosphate.

Abstract: A machine for injecting fluid into a meat product has a frame and a meat injection station on the frame. An elongated conveyor is mounted on the frame for carrying a meat products towards and through the injection station. A motor is on the frame for operating the conveyor. A meat injection head on the frame is located at the injection station and includes a plurality of downwardly extending fluid injection needles. A fluid reservoir is mounted on the frame and is connected to a pump, with the pump also being connected to the needles. The motor is connected to a power train for moving the needles into and out of a meat product while it is being moved through the injection station by the conveyor. A bypass control circuit is on the frame and is connected to the pump and the reservoir for diverting fluid moving towards the needles from the pump in the reservoir when the needles are out of the meat product.

Abstract: The invention provides sponges (foams) produced from hydrocolloids by the expansion of gels of these. The foams have properties which can be varied, such as water absorption, biodegradibility, pore size and structure. Edible products can be produced which may contain an edible plasticizer, a sugar or sugar substitute and possibly also a flavoring agent or taste enhancer. The novel sponges are produced by preparing a gel of a hydrocolloid, and either sealing it in a closed vessel with a liquid of similar composition, pressurizing the vessel and abruptly releasing the pressure, followed by freeze drying, or by incorporating in such a gel a suitable microorganism, such as a yeast and inducing fermentation in the presence of a suitable nutrient medium, so that the carbon dioxide formed results in the expansion and foam formation, which is processed to the final product. The sponges-foams of the invention are such, that the initial network of the gel is maintained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including peroxyacetic acid and peroxyoctanoic acid and methods for reducing microbial contamination on poultry. The methods include the step of applying a mixed peroxycarboxylic acid composition to poultry.

Abstract: Polyphosphates control the growth of bacteria during food processing. These compositions comprise antimicrobial polyphosphates alone or in combination with organic acids and/or their salts and are effective in food-related applications, including: cleaning compositions to disinfect the surface of food and to clean and disinfect equipment used in food processing, and compositions to be added to food to inhibit the growth of microorganisms responsible for foodborne diseases and spoilage during distribution and storage.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a helical food product. The method includes the step of extruding one or more plastic food substrates through a nozzle into a hollow shaped part. Relative rotation of the nozzle and the shaping part is caused, thereby forming a product of helical configuration. A fluid barrier agent is applied to the outer surface of the product as it is dispensed from the nozle into the shaping part, which barrier agent is adapted to prevent reannealing of adjacent turns of the helical product.

Abstract: This invention discloses the method of producing a food product by dissolving konjac flour in alcohol to form a paste, mixing ingredients such as soybean protein, a viscosity enhancing agent, a gelatinizing agent and a hardening agent with the paste, freezing the paste mixture and then kneading the frozen mixture with frozen processed meat to produce a good tasting low fat meat product.

Abstract: A method of preparing a uniformly tender meat product having an extended shelf life comprises the steps of selecting one or more meat ingredients wherein the muscle weight is comprised of whole protein tissue fibers, such as beef or pork, and mixing an acidulent with the meat to form a pretenderized meat product. Subsequently, the pre-tenderized meat product is mixed with an enzymatic tenderizer and cooked. The finished product is typically packaged in an oxygen-impermeable film, which also contains a microbe-inhibiting atmosphere and an oxygen-moisture scavenging agent.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of establishing the origin of useful animals, in particular cattle, pigs and the like. This method comprises the following steps: a) the live animal is marked biologically by applying at least one antigen which is harmless to the animal and humans: and b) the specific antibodies formed by the application of the at least one antigen are identified by means of an enzymimmunological or immunochemical detection process.

Abstract: A multi-functional marinade for fish and meat products that adds flavor to the fish or meat product and improves the texture and color of the fish or meat product during cooking. The marinade does not require the addition of other ingredients and can be applied immediately before cooking. The marinade can be a solid powder that is coated on the food or a liquid that is brushed or sprayed on the food.

Abstract: A curing agent comprising transglutaminase and a protein partial hydrolysate, and a pickle comprising same, having a controlled viscosity.

Abstract: A method for eliminating, reducing or retarding the amount of gram negative bacteria in cut fruits, cut vegetables, seafood, meat strips or meat chunks comprising the steps of: (a) treating the surface of said fruits, vegetables, seafood or meat with a chemical having a pH of greater than 8.5 in an amount of effective to destroy or disrupt the outer membrane of said gram negative bacteria; and then (b) treating said surface with an effective amount of one or more agents having bactericidal activity against gram positive bacteria is provided.

Abstract: A food coating composition which is manufactured from so-called fragrant or scented rices, which are also known as “aromatic rices,” and which derive their distinct aroma and flavor primarily from a potent aroma component, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. The food coating composition is manufactured by grinding a fragrant rice having a 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline concentration of at least 40 ppb by weight to a predetermined particle size at a predetermined temperature. The resulting food coating composition provides excellent and uniform adherence to the food product, as well as improved crispness. Moreover, the resulting food coating composition provides a unique and distinct aroma and taste which is derived from the 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline.

Abstract: A crumb coating composition formed by agglomeration which includes (a) an insoluble powdered first protein at least 80% of which has a particle size of greater than 0.5 mm; and (b) a soluble second protein or a polysaccharide capable of being heat set during crumb manufacture, the final agglomerated crumb coating having an average particle size of about 4 to 15 times the size of the first protein; which is used for coating food products and has beneficial crispness qualities, particularly where the food product is prepared for consumption via microwave heating.

Abstract: A liquid smoke coloring agent solution having total water miscibility, a benzopyrene content under about 5 ppb, and a pH above about 11, and a related method for making same by contacting liquid smoke with water and an alkaline agent. The liquid smoke coloring agent solution may be made from commercially existing liquid smoke compositions.

Abstract: A method for non-fry cooking, comprising a step of heating and dehydrating a food material using an aqueous trehalose solution with a relatively-high temperature and concentration; a non-fried food product having a satisfactory mouth feel, flavor, taste and being substantially free of an excessive intake of lipids; and an agent for non-fry cooking comprising trehalose as an effective ingredient.

Abstract: The meat quality-improving agent of the present invention includes an enzymatic hydrolyzate of a protein. By using the above meat quality-improving agent for frozen meats, pressured and heat-sterilized foods, or processed ground meat foods, an improvement in the water binding capacity, suppression of the meat shrinkage upon grilling, and an improvement in the texture is shown.

Abstract: A low viscosity, high gel strength protein-starch composition is provided. The protein-starch composition contains a denatured protein material and a starch material which are complexed together where the starch material is in a substantially non-gelatinized state. The protein-starch composition has a low viscosity prior to cooking, yet has a high gel strength after being cooked. A meat emulsion is also provided which contains a meat material and the protein-starch composition. A process is provided for forming the protein-starch composition in which an aqueous slurry of a protein material is formed, the protein in the slurry is denatured by subjecting the slurry to temperatures sufficient to denature the protein, a starch material is mixed into the slurry of denatured protein, and the slurry of starch and protein material is spray dried under conditions which cause the protein material and starch material to complex without gelatinizing the starch material.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition includes a mixture of one or more carboxylic acids having up to 18 carbon atoms and one or more peroxycarboxylic acids having up to 12 carbon atoms, preferably a mixture of a C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acid and a C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acid. Also described is a novel antimicrobial composition adapted for sanitizing meat product containing a mixture of one or more C2-C4 peroxycarboxylic acids and one or more C8-C12 peroxycarboxylic acids and an alpha-hydroxy mono- or dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A method for preparing a lemon-basil garlic marinade, which combines an Italian dressing with water, granulated garlic and dried basil at room temperature, where both the granulated garlic and dried basil are slowly poured into the mixture and easily stirred, and where the Italian dressing is a blended dressing including lemon juice as an ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for meat tenderization that comprise a thermolabile protease derived from a Rhizomucor species. Preferably, the protease has limited substrate specificity and may be treated with peroxy acids. The invention also provides meat-tenderizing compositions, which comprise the protease in combination with nitrite and/or flavoring agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soy protein hydrolysate with a low content of .beta.-conglycinin and a process for producing the same. The soy protein hydrolysate with a low content of .beta.-conglycinin is prepared by allowing a proteolytic enzyme to act on soybean protein to selectively decompose .beta.-conglycinin in the soybean protein, and the process for producing the same comprises allowing a proteolytic enzyme to act on soybean protein at a temperature of higher than 50.degree. C. to less than 90.degree. C., preferably 55 to 85.degree. C., more preferably 60 to 80.degree. C.

Abstract: Within the present invention, a powder or "fines" is created from the targeted wood (i.e. mesquite, peach, hickory, apple). This powder is then sprinkled onto, or rubbed into, the meat (fish, chicken, beet, ostrich, buffalo, etc.) and then the meat is flame grilled. During the flame grilling, the wood powder is incinerated, thereby releasing the wood's flavor into the meat through the smoke.

Abstract: The invention provides a ham and water product that is flavored with jalapeno peppers and a method of making a jalapeno flavored ham and water product. In a preferred embodiment, a ham is injected with a pickle solution, processed to increase surface ratio, and treated with a buffered jalapeno composition.

Abstract: Pieces of meat are tumbled with a marinade in a tumbler that has a smoothly continuous surrounding side wall with no protrusions or baffles or other protrusions contacting the pieces of meat. The tumbler is rotated about the axis of the side wall and gas is pumped from the tumbler during the tumbling to maintain a reduced pressure. The gas may be pumped to maintain a lower reduced pressure for a first time interval and to permit a higher pressure, still below atmospheric pressure, for a second period of time during a rest period. These two pressure levels are alternated during the alternate tumbling and rest periods.

Abstract: Meat tenderization is achieved in a closed vessel in which the meat is placed, the vessel having a liquid medium therein, which may be a marinade, of a depth at least sufficient to cover the meat, and an air passageway port. A vacuum pump is connected to the port and a high vacuum is pulled on the interior of the vessel. While a high vacuum is maintained, the level of vacuum is rapidly cycled. The rapid variation of vacuum serves to tear and disrupt muscle and connective tissue in the meat and to increase absorption of the marinade.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a frozen fish product comprises: treating frozen or non-frozen fish, which comprises molecules of myosin and molecules of actin, each molecule of myosin having a head region (6) and a tail region (8), such that the conformation of the head region of the molecule of myosin changes irreversibly and the conformation of the molecule of actin does not change completely and irreversibly; and storing the fish under freezing conditions. Suitable treatments for affecting the conformational change include application of pressure. The treated fish product has an increased resistance to frozen deterioration of texture.

Abstract: A method for improving the quality of frozen seafood by enhancing flavor and shelf-life so that the seafood can be stored under commercial conditions. This method includes injection of substances into the flesh or circulatory system of live fish and whole seafood prior to cooking or freezing. These injected substances include antioxidants and cryoprotectants which circulate throughout the tissues, allowing for a uniform distribution throughout the flesh of the animal. The animal is then frozen, or cooked and then frozen, and stored for later use. The present invention is also directed to a solution for injecting into live fish and whole seafood in accordance with the method of the present invention.

Abstract: Preparations are disclosed containing the 3R-3′R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin as a sole detectable isomer, packaged for oral ingestion by humans as a therapeutic drug or nutritional supplement. Zeaxanthin is a yellow carotenoid pigment found in the macula (in the center of the human retina), which helps protect retinal cells against phototoxic damage. The pure R-R stereoisomer can be prepared by fermenting cells, such as Flavobacterium multivorum (ATCC 55238), which do not create any detectable quantity of the undesired and potentially toxic S-S or S-R isomers, and which do not synthesize any other carotenoids. The R-R isomer can be concentrated, in large quantities and at low cost, into a viscous oily fluid containing about 5 to 20% zeaxanthin, by means of a simple solvent extraction process. This oily fluid can be mixed with a carrier such as vegetable oil and enclosed within a digestible capsule, comparable to a conventional capsule containing Vitamin E.