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 invention relates to dried milk protein concentrates and their use. In particular the invention relates to such dried concentrates which have been calcium-depleted to an extent which allows improvements in the use of dried milk protein concentrates in cheese manufacture. The invention includes a method of cheese manufacture comprising: (a) dispersing in milk a dried MPC or MPI having at least 70% dry matter as milk protein; (b) treating the resulting mixture with one or more coagulating enzymes to produce a curd; and (c) processing the curd to make cheese; wherein the dried MPC or MPI is a calcium-depleted MPCF or MPI and the extend of calcium depletion is sufficient to allow manufacture of substantially nugget-free cheese.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel protein-rich tortillas. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention provides flat, thin tortillas that have chicken protein. Other meats can also be used to provide the protein component. Advantageously, the tortillas of the subject invention can be used as a replacement for traditional flour or corn tortillas.

Abstract: Peptide which is obtained by treating fish meat such as sardine with an alkaline protease is adsorbed with a peptide-adsorbing resin (such as ODS resin) and eluted with 10 aqueous ethanol to obtain a peptide (Y-2 fraction). The resulting novel peptide has an excellent hypotensive action and can be used as a nutrient and a specific health food and, in addition, it can be advantageously used as a hypotensive agent.

Abstract: Whey protein materials such as whey from cheese making processes, whey protein concentrates, and whey protein isolates, are deflavored by adjusting the pH of an aqueous composition of such whey protein materials to about 8 to about 12 to solubilize the whey proteins and to release the flavoring compounds and thereafter passing the pH-adjusted composition to an ultrafiltration membrane having a molecular weight cutoff up to about 50,000 Daltons under conditions at which the flavoring compounds pass through the membrane, leaving the retained whey protein material with improved flavor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a N-glycosylation-modified recombinant chicken cystatin, characterized in that Asn106-Ile108 in its amino acid sequence is modified to Asn106-Thr108. The present invention also relates to a method for producing said N-glycosylation-modified recombinant chicken cystatin, wherein a site-directed mutated cDNA encoding chicken cystatin is cloned in an expression vector, with which a yeast strain is in turn transformed, and the yeast transformant is then cultured for producing a recombinant chicken cystatin wherein the Asn residue in the Asn106-Thr108 of its amino acid sequence that is produced by said site-directed mutagenesis can be modified by N-glycosylation. The N-glycosylation-modified recombinant chicken cystatin disclosed in the present invention has improved stability in a freezing-thawing process and in a heating process.

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: 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: The present invention relates to a process for preparing an aqueous composition useful as a stabilizing and texturizing agent in dairy products, the composition obtainable by said process and a food composition comprising a dairy product base and said aqueous composition.

Abstract: Collagen membranes are formed from porcine rinds (i.e., pig skins) for us in a variety of applications and, most preferably, for wrapping food products, such as hams and the like. First, after removing skins from the porcine, the skins are promptly frozen. In later processing, the rinds are thawed and then enzymatically defatted. Then, a quick alkalinic hydrolyzation is performed on the rinds. Then, an acidic hydrolyzation is performed on the rinds. The rinds are then ground into a gel-like fluid mass. Finally, the fluid mass is extruded, sheeted and dried into a collagen membrane. The collagen membrane produced can be, in preferred embodiments, used for wrapping food products, such as hams.

Abstract: A non-fat creamer composition that contains from about 10% to about 90%, of a microparticulated protein component and from about 10% to about 90%, of a insoluble microcrystalline cellulose component. In the hydrated state the microparticulated protein component particles have a mean diameter particle size distribution ranging from about 0.1 microns to about 10.0 microns, and preferably less than about 5 percent of the total number of particles exceed about 10.0 microns in diameter. Further, the creamer composition contains less than about 2% of fat and oil. These non-fat creamer compositions can be powdered and liquid, dairy and non-dairy, and can be prepared in both concentrated and ready-to-use forms. The powdered creamer compositions are well suited for use in instant and/or dry food and beverage compositions that require the addition of water or other suitable fluids prior to use.

Abstract: The subject invention provides innovative methods of manipulating the structure and function of egg proteins, preferably albumen, through controlled acid and alkali unfolding and subsequent refolding. The subject invention provides techniques for manipulating egg protein structure to obtain desired optimal properties such as foaming. The subject invention uses a novel approach to induce a conformational change in egg albumen protein (to partially denature these proteins), which advantageously leads to egg albumen protein having improved properties.

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: The present invention provides a method for skin care by orally administering a skin care agent comprising an ingestible carrier and natural-type N-acetylglucosamine obtainable by hydrolysis of chitin with an acid, an enzyme, or an acid and an enzyme, wherein the natural-type N-acetylglucosamine is contained in an amount of from 0.1 to 99.9% by weight, by which the moisture and tension of skin can be improved and the rough skin and fine wrinkles can be prevented or ameliorated. The skin care agent may be a skin care agent containing chitinoligosaccharide in an amount of from 0.1 to 20% by weight and natural-type N-acetylglucosamine in an amount of from 0.1 to 99.9% by weight; or a skin care agent containing collagen peptide in an amount of from 0.1 to 99.9% by weight and natural-type N-acetylglucosamine in an amount of from 0.1 to 99.9% by weight.

Abstract: A protein hydrolysate comprising at least two types of peptides, characterized in that the rate of hydrolysis of protein is from 30 to 45%, the number average molecular weight is 300 or less, and the ratio of a weight average molecular weight to the number average molecular weight is greater than 1 and 2 or less, has excellent emulsifiability, and antigenicity thereof is low enough to be used for people who has predisposition to allergic diseases. This protein hydrolysate is obtained by hydrolysis of a protein starting material to a rate of hydrolysis in the range of 30 to 45%, and then bringing it into contact simultaneously or separately with two types of porous synthetic adsorbent respectively having an average pore radius of 2 to 8 nm and an average pore radius of 20 to 30 nm, the total surface area of the two porous synthetic adsorbents being in a range of 300 to 3000 m2 per 1 g (protein equivalent) of the obtained protein hydrolysate, and recovering the non-adsorbed component.

Abstract: Peptide SY is produced by applying a mixture of peptides obtained by processing fish meat with a protease to a peptide-adsorbing resin (ODS resin or the like), eluting this with water, then with a 11 to 18% v/v ethanol aqueous solution and further with water, and collecting and mixing a latter fraction of the water elution (1), a fraction of the 11 to 18 % v/v ethanol elution and a fraction of the water elution (2). Further, peptide SY-MD is produced by isolating only the fraction of the 11 to 18% v/v ethanol elution. Peptide SY and peptide SY-MD are both novel peptide mixtures. They not only contain a large amount of blood pressure-depressing peptide Val-Tyr newly found but also have less bitterness and are excellent in taste and stability, and can be used as a blood pressure-depressing agent or as functional foods for inhibiting blood pressure elevation or preventing blood pressure elevation.

Abstract: A new human chitinase having an amino acid sequence as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. Modified forms of it having a similar chitin-hydrolyzing activity, and antigenic peptides representing one of its epitopes. Recombinant production of the human chitinase by genetically engineered hosts or host cells. Recombinant nucleic acid encoding it, and human chitinase-specific oligonucleotides. Use for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of humans against infection by chitin-containing pathogens, or for decomposing chitin, e.g. from chitin-based articles. Antibodies binding to the human chitinase. Diagnostic test kits comprising the human chitinase, its antigenic peptides, human chitinase antibodies, recombinant nucleic acid or oligonucleotides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing an anti-freeze peptide and to the peptides obtained from bacteria from an aqueous low-temperature environment, such as Marinomonas protea and a Pseudomonas species. These anti-freeze peptides can suitably be incorporated in frozen food products such as frozen vegetables and frozen confectionery such as ice-cream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing bovine insulin from a liquid fat-free proteinous material originating from cow's milk, wherein the liquid fat-free proteinous material originating from cow's milk, the material having a pH of 2 to 8, at a temperature below 65° C., is contacted with an adsorption resin, whereby the weight ratio of the proteinous material to be treated to the adsorption resin is at most 100:1, optionally combining with said resin treatment at least one ultra and dia-filtration treatment of the proteinous material, and, if necessary, the liquid material so obtained is concentrated into a protein concentrate and optionally dried to powder.

Abstract: A meat or fish composition which retains moisture during cooking is provided. A dry protein mixture or an aqueous acidic protein solution derived from animal muscle tissue is added to the 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: Apparatus and method for separation of milk and milk products, e.g., involving sequential separation of milk, clostrum, and whey components by cross-flow filtration. The apparatus and method in a preferred aspect employ cross-flow filtration, chromatography and fermentation to separate and fully utilize the components of milk, clostrum, and whey to generate numerous individual components, minimize waste, lower adverse environmental issues and provide enhanced economic benefits to dairy producers. A wide variety of consumer and nutraceutical products can be produced from the fractions and/or sub-fractions of milk products obtained from such separation. The invention further contemplates a methodology for selecting optimum membrane, device, and operating conditions to achieve a desired separation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separation of milk and milk products, e.g., involving sequential separation of milk, clostrum, and whey components by cross-flow filtration. The apparatus and method in a preferred aspect employ cross-flow filtration, chromatography and fermentation to separate and fully utilize the components of milk, clostrum, and whey to generate numerous individual components, minimize waste, lower adverse environmental issues and provide enhanced economic benefits to dairy producers. A wide variety of consumer and nutraceutical products can be produced from the fractions and/or sub-fractions of milk products obtained from such separation. The invention further contemplates a methodology for selecting optimum membrane, device, and operating conditions to achieve a desired separation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to powdered and liquid, dairy and non-dairy creamer compositions. These creamer compositions can be prepared in both concentrated and ready-to-use forms. The powdered creamer compositions are well suited for use in instant and/or dry food and beverage compositions that require the addition of water or other suitable fluids prior to use. The present powdered and liquid creamer compositions are equally well suited for the preparation of ready-to-use formulations that can be added directly to food and beverage products. The creamer compositions of the present invention comprise a microparticulated ingredient component and a secondary ingredient component. The microparticulated ingredient component comprises a fat/oil component and a microparticulated protein component, and optionally a carbohydrate component. The secondary ingredient component of the creamer compositions of the present invention comprises an emulsifier and a bulking agent.

Abstract: A composition comprising partially hydrolyzed proteins for use as a hypoallergenic pet food, and a process for producing it.

Abstract: A hydrolyzed protein which can be used as seasonings or the like is produced by heating and maintaining an aqueous dispersion of a protein-containing starting material, while under an acidic condition, with a plate-type heat exchanger using a liquid as a heat medium to make the aqueous dispersion substantially aseptic and then subjecting the resulting aqueous dispersion with an action of a proteolytic enzyme.

Abstract: A method of producing a broth or stock, comprising mincing animal bone, mixing meat and/or meat extract and/or bone extract with the minced bone; and heating the mixture to effect coagulation thereof. The heating step may comprise retort sterilization. The coagulated mixture may be provided in a water permeable container, to retain insoluble material. A hydrometer may be provided with the minced bone, to assist in determining soup concentration. The invention provides an extended release of soup into boiling water of a period of hours, allowing replenishment of withdrawn soup stock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing an aqueous composition useful as a stabilizing and texturizing agent in dairy products, the composition obtainable by said process and a food composition comprising a dairy product base and said aqueous composition.

Abstract: An edible dry animal product comprising a dehydrated mixture of meat and meat extract and/or bone extract, contained within a water-permeable flexible container adapted for hot water extraction of soluble materials while retaining insoluble materials. The meat is preferably chicken. The dehydrated mixture may be rapidly extracted to form a chicken bouillon, resulting in a product having superior sensory quality. A method for preparing a chicken bouillon, comprising the steps of directly mixing chicken extract and chicken meat; dehydrating the mixture; and forming a powder from the dehydrated mixture. A powdered chicken bouillon is produced comprising a dehydrated mixture of chicken meat and chicken meat extract and/or bone extract, wherein said chicken meat and/or bone extract is mixed directly with the chicken meat prior to dehydration.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for extracting glycomacropeptide from a lactic raw material. This process includes the step of treating a lactic raw material containing glycomacropeptide in the presence of a weakly anionic resin wherein the glycomacropeptide is selectively adsorbed onto the resin and then eluted from the resin so as to obtain an improved protein product which can be used in foods, and pharmaceutical and dental compositions.

Abstract: A composition comprising partially hydrolyzed proteins for use as a hypoallergenic pet food, and a process for producing it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a concentrate of denatured whey protein aggregate preferably having a mean aggregate size (median) of between 1 and 4 &mgr;m. Said method consists of the following steps: a) an aqueous solution enriched to a maximum protein content of 4% by weight, containing whey protein and having a pH of between 5.0 and 7.0 is thermally denatured to [≦80%] ≦90%, in relation to the protein content, under substantially non-shear conditions at a temperature of between 75 and 150° C. and by means of a holding period; and b) the resulting product is concentrated, preferably to a denatured whey protein concentration of between 5 and 20%.

Abstract: A process and system for removing animal processing contaminants and fats, oils, and greases from large volume quantities of waste water. In the process, a waste water stream containing the contaminants is treated with a chemical oxidant, polymer compound and coagulant to create a particle having a diameter greater than 50 microns. Treated waste water is passed through a microfiltration membrane which physically separates the contaminant particle from the waste water. Commercially available microfiltration membranes having a pore size in the range of 0.5 micron to 10 microns may be used. The treated waste water flow rate through the microfiltration membranes can range from at least 200 gallons per square foot of membrane per day (“GFD”) to in excess of 750 GFD. Solids are removed from the membrane surface by periodically backflushing the microfiltration membranes and draining the filtration vessel within which the membranes are located.

Abstract: A feed supplement is disclosed comprising heme purified from animal blood. Animals fed this supplement experience a significantly lower average daily gain and average daily feed intake when compared with feed supplemented with fishmeal or AP 301. Only the animals fed the heme supplement exhibit improved meat quality, including improved meat color and drip loss.

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

Abstract: 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: A method of producing an animal feed that is free from transmittable degenerativeencephalopathies is provided. Central to the method is alkali treatment of animalmaterial at a pH of at least 8.5 under temperature conditions below 100 C. at atmospheric pressure. This method provides a decontaminated animal feed produced under relatively low temperature and pressure conditions that are achievable instandard animal carcass rendering facilities.

Abstract: A protein purified from bovine colostral whey and isolated nucleotide sequences encoding the protein is identified. The isolated bovine protein is termed Bovine Lactation Associated Immunotropic (Bo-LAIT) protein. The human homologue of Bo-LAIT protein, Hu-LAIT protein, is also described. A method of activating B cells, and particularly of activating B cells in a mammal, such as a human, in need of such activation by administering LAIT protein is described. LAIT protein can be incorporated into infant formula. LAIT protein can be administered to an infant, as by feeding to the infant such formula. LAIT protein can be incorporated as part of a vaccination, LAIT protein can be administered to a patient having a T cell immune deficiency, for example, a particular T cell dysfunction in which gp39 (CD40L) is under expressed on or totally absent from the cell surface of patient T cells. Preparation of medicaments including LAIT protein for activating B cells in a mammal in need of such activation is described.

Abstract: The precipitation and removal of suspended fat and protein components and other suspended solids from a given solution can be accomplished by the addition of an aluminate to complex with the fat and protein components and the addition of a flocculating agent to flocculate the aluminate/fat and protein component complexes into insoluble particles capable of removal by conventional technology, which insoluble particles can be rendered to produce tallow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an edible phytosterol or phytostanol composition useful in the food industry and to methods of preparing such an edible composition. The edible composition comprises a phytosterol or phytostanol, an isolated water soluble protein, and optionally an emulsifier, wherein the weight ratio of the protein to the phytosterol or phytostanol is from about 0.2:1 to about 10:1, and the weight ratio of the emulsifier to the phytosterol or phytostanol is from about 0.2:1 to about 5:1. The invention also relates to edible products containing such a composition and to methods for the production of the edible products.

Abstract: The present invention provides animal collagens and gelatins and compositions thereof, and methods of producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agent for imparting creamy mouthfeel to foods and beverages. Said agent comprises a water-insoluble component and a water-soluble component. Said water-insoluble component has particles with a mean particle size diameter of from about 0.1 to about 3.0 microns and comprises: (a) from about 5 to about 70% of a microparticlulate component; (b) from about 0 to about 60% of fat/oil component; (c) from about 0 to about 5% of emulsifier component; (d) up to about 5% of a microcrystalline cellulose component. Said water-soluble component comprises: (a) from about 0.05 to about 40% of a thickener; (b) from about 0 to about 10% sodium caseinate; (c) from 0 to about 40% milk solids; and (d) from about 0 to about 4% processing aids. The creamy mouthfeel agent of the present invention comprises from about 0 to about 10% flavorants; said flavorants may be part of the water-insoluble components, the water-soluble components; or both.

Abstract: A milk basic protein fraction is heated if necessary, the resulting precipitate is removed to recover the resulting supernatant, alcohol is added to this supernatant, a fraction containing a high concentration of milk basic cystatin is recovered by removing the resulting precipitate and brought into contact with a carrier containing a sulfuric acid group, such as heparin, to recover a fraction which is not adsorbed onto the carrier, and this fraction is then treated with an ultrafiltration membrane having an cut-off molecular weight of 10-50 kDa to recover the permeate to produce a fraction containing a high concentration of milk basic cystatin.

Abstract: A formulated, microbound diet product for the culture of larval fish and crustaceans either in a dry or moist form is disclosed. The food product contains protein sources such as fish protein hydrosylate, casein, egg yolk, binding agents such as soy lecithin, wheat gluten, and alginate. Other ingredients such as vitamins and minerals, lipid sources, carbohydrate sources, pigment sources, and attractant compounds are included in the diet for nutritional completeness. A method for preparation of the food product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A feed supplement is disclosed comprising heme purified from animal blood. Animals fed this supplement experience a significantly lower average daily gain and average daily feed intake when compared with feed supplemented with fishmeal or AP 301. Only the animals fed the heme supplement exhibit improved meat quality, including improved meat color and drip loss.

Abstract: A method of making an &agr;-lactalbumin enriched whey protein product is described. The method involves the treatment of a whey protein product with an acid to lower the pH of the whey protein product to 4.0 or below. This pH-lowering step allows the &agr;-lactalbumin molecules to be concentrated more efficiently.

Abstract: Various compositions for producing translucent to opaque protein enhanced dessert gels are disclosed. In general, the dessert gels comprise a gelling system plus flavorings, colorings, and nutritional additives. Exemplary embodiments of the gelling system comprise water, sweetener, carrageenan, and various proteins such as soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate, whey, and sodium caseinate.

Abstract: Various compositions for producing translucent to opaque protein enhanced dessert gels are disclosed. In general, the dessert gels comprise a gelling system plus flavorings, colorings, and nutritional additives. Exemplary embodiments of the gelling system comprise water, sweetener, carrageenan, and various proteins such as soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate, whey, and sodium caseinate.