Patent ID: 6692779
Filing Date: 2004-02-17
Classification: A21D,A23B,A23C,A23L

Abstract:
A method of preserving a food product comprising:(a) inoculating the food product with a quantity of dry, nontoxic microorganisms; then (b) pasteurizing the food product, while providing that at least a portion of the nontoxic microorganisms remain in a dry state during pasteurization; and then (c) storing said pasteurized food product at a temperature at or below 10Â° C.; wherein after pasteurization and storage the microorganisms remain effectively dormant up to temperatures of about 10Â° C., and wherein after pasteurization and storage if the food product reaches a temperature above 10Â° C., said microorganisms release acid by-products into said food product, wherein said acid by-products inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms.