Patent ID: 6541053
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: A23L

Abstract:
In a method of covering a food product with collagen, said method comprising extruding the food product and arranging directly around the food product, by means of extruding, collagen that is subjected to treatment to harden the collagen sufficiently to form a casing, the improvement comprising treating the collagen with a sufficient amount of a liquid smoke fraction to cross-link and to thicken the collagen sufficiently to harden the collagen to form a casing, wherein the liquid smoke fraction:(a) has a pH ranging from at least about 5.0 up to about 7.0, (b) is carbon treated to have a phenolic flavor component content less than about 1.0 mg/ml, and (c) has a low stain index or a stain index of none.