SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PACKAGING FOOD PRODUCTS
First Claim
1. A method for packaging a food product, the method comprising:
- providing a food product;
heating the food product to deactivate enzymes in the food product;
sealing the food product in a barrier package, wherein an internal cavity of the sealed package comprises between about 0.5 percent and about 50 percent oxygen, by volume.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for packaging food products, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats. Specifically, the described methods relate to systems and methods for packaging food products in a manner that increases the products'"'"' shelf life. Generally, the methods begin by providing a food product. In some cases, debris is removed from the food product. To kill bacteria and other microbes on the food product, the food product is optionally washed in ozonated water. To deactivate enzymes within the food product, the food product is heated, though not necessarily cooked or blanched. The food product is then typically sealed in a barrier package containing between about 1 percent and about 50 percent oxygen, by volume. In some cases, the sealed package is then heated to between about 165 and about 285 degrees Fahrenheit to kill microbes in the sealed package. Other implementations are also described.
24 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for packaging a food product, the method comprising:
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providing a food product; heating the food product to deactivate enzymes in the food product; sealing the food product in a barrier package, wherein an internal cavity of the sealed package comprises between about 0.5 percent and about 50 percent oxygen, by volume. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for packaging a food product, the method comprising:
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providing the food product; removing debris from the food product; heating the food product to deactivate enzymes in the food product; sealing the food product in an airtight package, wherein an internal cavity of the sealed, airtight package comprises between about 1 percent and about 10 percent oxygen, by volume; and exposing the sealed package to hot temperatures between about 165°
Fahrenheit and about 285°
Fahrenheit, before the food product in the sealed package is sent to market, in order to kill microbes in the sealed package. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for packaging a food product, the method comprising:
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providing the food product; removing debris from the food product; washing the food product with ozonated water; deactivating enzymes throughout the food product by raising an internal temperature of the food product to between about 165 degrees Fahrenheit and about 185 degrees Fahrenheit; sealing the food product in a barrier package, wherein an internal cavity of the sealed barrier package comprises between about 1.5 percent and about 10 percent oxygen, by volume; exposing the sealed package to hot temperatures between about 165 degrees Fahrenheit and about 285 degrees Fahrenheit to kill microbes within the sealed package; and chilling the sealed package directly after the sealed package is exposed to the hot temperatures. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification