Method for sterilizing and packaging solid foods
US5707672A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 24, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA23L7/1965
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for sterilizing and packing a solid food comprises the steps of charging a solid food in a retainer, whose upper portion is opened, in a layer having an approximately uniform thickness, sterilizing the retainer through heating, cooling it with cooling air and/or cooling water, transferring the solid food contained in the retainer to a sterilized packaging container and then aseptically sealing the container. The method permits efficient and rapid heating and cooling of a solid food because of the direct contact between steam or cooling air and/or cooling water and the food without causing a problem such that the packaging container becomes dirty during the sterilization through heating and does not give out any remaining bad smell. Therefore, excess softening and/or destruction of the solid foods as well as any deterioration thereof due to decomposition and alteration of the nutritive substances and flavoring substances present therein can thus be limited to the lowest possible level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.