The invention relates to treated cellulosic fibers comprising internally dispersed cuprous oxide (Cu.sub.2O) nanoparticles, methods of preparing such treated cellulosic fibers, and uses of such treated cellulosic fibers.

The invention relates to treated cellulosic fibers comprising internally dispersed cuprous oxide (Cu.sub.2O) nanoparticles, methods of preparing such treated cellulosic fibers, and uses of such treated cellulosic fibers.

This invention provides processes comprising contacting at least one unopened defeathered poultry carcass with water containing a microbiocidal composition, optionally opening and eviscerating at least one unopened defeathered poultry carcass that was wetted; subjecting at least one eviscerated poultry carcass to inside-outside washing with water containing a microbiocidal composition; placing at least one eviscerated poultry carcass in a chill tank into contact with chill water containing a microbiocidal composition; contacting parts of poultry resulting from processing of poultry containing a microbiocidal composition. The water in these processes contains a microbiocidal composition comprising I) one or more surfactants and II) a microbiocidal amount of a biocide. The surfactants include amine oxides and/or betaines. The biocides include various chlorine-based and bromine-based biocides; chlorine dioxide; and peracetic acid.

This invention provides processes comprising contacting at least one unopened defeathered poultry carcass with water containing a microbiocidal composition, optionally opening and eviscerating at least one unopened defeathered poultry carcass that was wetted; subjecting at least one eviscerated poultry carcass to inside-outside washing with water containing a microbiocidal composition; placing at least one eviscerated poultry carcass in a chill tank into contact with chill water containing a microbiocidal composition; contacting parts of poultry resulting from processing of poultry containing a microbiocidal composition. The water in these processes contains a microbiocidal composition comprising I) one or more surfactants and II) a microbiocidal amount of a biocide. The surfactants include amine oxides and/or betaines. The biocides include various chlorine-based and bromine-based biocides; chlorine dioxide; and peracetic acid.

The present application describes an antimicrobial composition comprising lauric arginate ethyl ester (LAE) and hydrogen peroxide and the use of this composition for disinfecting and sanitizing different types of surfaces such as food products, human skin or mucosa and hard surfaces as well as a method of stabilizing the composition by including a sequestering agent (citrate salt and/or phosphate salt).

The present application describes an antimicrobial composition comprising lauric arginate ethyl ester (LAE) and hydrogen peroxide and the use of this composition for disinfecting and sanitizing different types of surfaces such as food products, human skin or mucosa and hard surfaces as well as a method of stabilizing the composition by including a sequestering agent (citrate salt and/or phosphate salt).

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.

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.

Methods for separating lean and fat from beef or other meats and the separation apparatus are shown. The methods use microbiocidal fluids to reduce or eliminate possible sources of contamination.

Methods for separating lean and fat from beef or other meats and the separation apparatus are shown. The methods use microbiocidal fluids to reduce or eliminate possible sources of contamination.