Method of preparing packaged food articles
US6749876B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 15, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 1, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA23C2240/20
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Packaged food articles of improved appearance and stackability are described such as a refrigerated active cultured dairy product. Each packaged food article comprises an unpressurized, imperforate container having an opening, wherein the container is fabricated from a material having a low gas permeability. A quantity of gas releasing food stuff, such as a live cultured dairy product, is disposed within and partially fills the container defining a headspace volume which is not filled with the food stuff. A peelable flexible seal membrane overlays and seals the opening. An initial headspace gas is enriched with the gas released from the food stuff, with the initial headspace gas being adapted to permeate the packaging material at a rate greater than both the rate in which gas is released from the food stuff within the container and the rate in which air permeates into the container, thereby avoiding outward bowing of the flexible seal during the shelf life of the packaged food article.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.