The invention provides methods, apparatuses and compositions for the reduction of pathogenic and/or non-pathogenic organisms in raw meat. The invention includes simultaneously manufacturing and applying to raw meat an activated chlorous agent or other biocidal composition. By simultaneously manufacturing and applying the solution feedstocks such as contaminated components or recirculated used solution that would normally not work, can be used to effectively reduce pathogens in raw meat.

The invention provides methods, apparatuses and compositions for the reduction of pathogenic and/or non-pathogenic organisms in raw meat. The invention includes simultaneously manufacturing and applying to raw meat an activated chlorous agent or other biocidal composition. By simultaneously manufacturing and applying the solution feedstocks such as contaminated components or recirculated used solution that would normally not work, can be used to effectively reduce pathogens in raw meat.

Disclosed embodiments relate to an induction sealing device for heat sealing packaging material for producing sealed packages of pourable food products. In some embodiments, the sealing device includes: an inductor device which interacts with said packaging material by means of at least one active surface; a flux-concentrating insert; and a supporting body made of heat-conducting material and housing said inductor device and said flux-concentrating insert, wherein said flux concentrating insert is made by a magnetic compound of a polymer and soft magnetic particles; and said flux concentrating insert interacts with said packaging material via at least one interactive surface.

Disclosed embodiments relate to an induction sealing device for heat sealing packaging material for producing sealed packages of pourable food products. In some embodiments, the sealing device includes: an inductor device which interacts with said packaging material by means of at least one active surface; a flux-concentrating insert; and a supporting body made of heat-conducting material and housing said inductor device and said flux-concentrating insert, wherein said flux concentrating insert is made by a magnetic compound of a polymer and soft magnetic particles; and said flux concentrating insert interacts with said packaging material via at least one interactive surface.

A method includes preserving a meat product with propionic acid, the method including contacting meat with exogenous enzymes, maintaining the meat-enzyme mixture for a sufficient period and at a sufficient temperature for the enzyme to react with one or more meat substrates and produce propionic acid, and heating the meat-enzyme mixture for a sufficient period and at a sufficient temperature to inactivate the enzymes and cook the meat.

A method includes preserving a meat product with propionic acid, the method including contacting meat with exogenous enzymes, maintaining the meat-enzyme mixture for a sufficient period and at a sufficient temperature for the enzyme to react with one or more meat substrates and produce propionic acid, and heating the meat-enzyme mixture for a sufficient period and at a sufficient temperature to inactivate the enzymes and cook the meat.

A method of inhibiting the outgrowth of pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in food and beverage products having a moisture content of about 38-80% by weight, a salt content of less than about 5.0% by weight, and a pH range of about 4.6 to about 8.5. The application of an organic acid or its salt with a fermentation derived antimicrobial peptide offers a robust solution to curtail growth of spores and vegetative cells without the need for chemicals, such as sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate or sorbate.

A method of inhibiting the outgrowth of pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in food and beverage products having a moisture content of about 38-80% by weight, a salt content of less than about 5.0% by weight, and a pH range of about 4.6 to about 8.5. The application of an organic acid or its salt with a fermentation derived antimicrobial peptide offers a robust solution to curtail growth of spores and vegetative cells without the need for chemicals, such as sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate or sorbate.

A method of processing is disclosed that provides improved water retention and enhanced coloring and flavor, while preserving the meat and preventing bacterial contamination. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes: (a) providing a body of meat at a first temperature; (b) contacting the body of meat of step (a), in at least one treating vessel, with a brine solution at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is greater than the first temperature, and wherein the brine solution comprises a vinegar-derived food additive and/or a reddening agent, wherein the reddening agent comprises nitrite; (c) agitating the body of meat at the second temperature for a time sufficient to distribute the solution throughout the body of meat; (d) cooling the body of meat in at least one cooling vessel to a third temperature, wherein the third temperature is less than the second temperature; (e) agitating the body of meat at the third temperature; (f) contacting the body of meat of step (e) with the brine solution at the third temperature and agitating the body of meat at the third temperature until the brine solution is substantially absorbed by the body of meat; and (g) recovering the body of meat in a dry state at the third temperature.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned brine solution comprises a vinegar-variety food additive, such as a vinegar-derived acetate composition. In another embodiment, the reddening agent comprises nitrate derived from plant material comprising nitrate.

An object of the present invention is to provide a simple measure which can suppress freshness deterioration of a myoglobin-containing food. The present invention relates to a myoglobin-containing food freshness deterioration suppressing material for suppressing freshness deterioration of a myoglobin-containing food, comprising: a substrate comprising a polymer; and an antioxidant with which at least a part of the surface of the substrate is covered, and/or an antioxidant supported in a layer forming at least a part of the surface of the substrate; wherein 0.01 g/m.sup.2 or more and 20 g/m.sup.2 or less of the antioxidant is included relative to the area of the part in which the antioxidant is present, of the surface of the substrate.