METHOD FOR SANITARY CARCASS DRESSING

This applications claims the filing date of US PPA 61/041 479 filed April 1, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention relate generally to slaughter operations, and more particularly to novel and effective methods for sanitary 'dressing' (separation and/or removal of the hide or skin) of a carcass.

BAC-CGROUND In conventional dressing of cattle and sheep, removal of the hide or skin presents a very labor-intensive process associated with substantial sanitary challenges. It is widely recognized that the hide or skin surface can be heavily contaminated with spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, and/or other physical contaminants such as mud, manure, hair, wool, etc. Current challenges encountered in removing hide and skin are, inter alia, directly related to the numerous incisions and the physical separation of the hide from the carcass using either fixed blade, or pneumatic skinning devices. During these processes, carcass contamination and cross-contamination routinely occur and require downstream carcass sanitation interventions to produce a hygienic product.

There is, therefore, a pronounced need in the art for methods for effective and efficient removal of the hide or skin that minimize or preclude carcass contamination and cross-contamination. There is a pronounced need in the art for effective dressing methods that minimize the number of incisions and the use of fixed blades and pneumatic skinning devices.

SUMMARY

Particular aspects of the present invention provide novel methods for sanitary 'dressing' (separation and/orremoval of the hide or skin) of a carcass. The inventive methods provide substantial savings in labor, and provide a final product having an improved microbiological profile.

In particular aspects, the methods comprise, after stunning and optional exsanguination, injecting pressurized air or other suitable gasses (e.g., nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc.) between the subcutaneous fat and skin or hide to provide, at least in part, for separating the hide or skin from the carcass. In preferred aspects, the temperature of the injected gas is used to control (e.g., reduce) the carcass surface temperature (e.g., to a value within the range of about 4.5 ⁰ C (40 ⁰ F) to about 82°C (180 ⁰ F)).

In alternative aspects, the methods comprise, after stunning and optional exsanguination, injecting a liquid (e.g., water, aqueous solution, etc.) at a suitable temperature (e.g., from about 4.5°C (40 ⁰ F) to about 82°C (180 ⁰ F)) between the subcutaneous fat and the skin or hide to facilitate, at least in part, effective separation of the hide or skin from the carcass.

Additional aspects comprise, after stunning and optional exsanguination, a combination of injecting pressurized air or other suitable gasses, and injecting a liquid between the subcutaneous fat and the skin or hide to facilitate, at least in part, effective separation of the hide or skin from the carcass. Injection of the air or gas, and injection of the liquid may be simultaneous or concomitant. Alternatively, injection of the liquid may be subsequent to air or gas injection. Alternatively, injection of the air or gas may be subsequent to injection of the liquid.

The methods may additionally comprise making suitable incisions to facilitate removing the hide or skin from the carcass. Preferably, the number of incisions is kept to a minimum, and the incisions are strategically designed to facilitate separation and removal of the hide or skin from the carcass. The methods may further comprise, after strategic incision, 'pulling' of the hide or skin from the carcass to provide for a hide or skin having an optimal shape. Preferably, the optimal shape comprises planar or tubular aspects, or a combination of planar and tubular aspects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Particular aspects of the present invention provide novel, cost-effective methods for sanitary 'dressing' (separation and/orremoval of the hide or skin) of a carcass.

The inventive methods provide for efficient and cost-efficient removal of the hide or skin, and minimize or preclude carcass contamination and cross-contamination. In particular aspects, the inventive methods comprise stunning and optional exsanguination, followed by separating, at least in part, the hide or skin from the carcass by injecting pressurized air or other suitable gasses (e.g., nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc.) between the subcutaneous fat and skin or hide. In preferred aspects, the temperature of the injected gas is used to control (e.g., reduce) the carcass surface temperature (e.g., to a value within the range of about 4.5°C (40 ⁰ F) to about 82°C (180 ⁰ F)). In certain embodiments, injection of the pressurized air or suitable gas is initiated at a position at or near one or both of the front digits of an ungulate animal (e.g., hoofed foot of a mammal), proceeding generally rearward between the subcutaneous fat and skin or hide, and exiting

through one or more openings (e.g., incised or pierced pressure-release openings) at a position at or near one or both of the rear digits of the ungulate animal. In particular aspects, injection of the pressurized air or suitable gas is by use of an injection means comprising an injection nozzle or head of any size and shape suitable to be placed under the skin or hide at the injection initiation site. In certain embodiments that injection nozzle or head can be strategically extended and maneuvered between the skin or hide and the subcutaneous fat to facilitate the skin or hide separation process. In particular embodiments, the air or suitable gas is or comprises a suitable antimicrobial aspect or agent. Exemplary antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to at least one of: ethylene oxide; chlorine dioxide gas; chlorine gas; l-hydroxyethylidene-l,l-diphosphoric acid (HEDP); organic acids; citric acid; lactic acid; acetic acid; hydrochloric acid; phosphoric acid; a blend of citric acid, hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid; propionic acid; acidic calcium sulfate; an aqueous solution of lactic acid, propionic acid and acidic calcium sulfate; acidified sodium chlorite; anhydrous ammonia; cetylpyridinium chloride; chlorine dioxide; DBDMH (l,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin); hydrogen peroxide; lactoferrin; nisin; octanoic acid; ozone; peroxyacetic acid; peroxyoctanoic acid; potassium diphosphate; sodium citrate buffered with citric acid; sodium metasilicate; trisodium phosphate; quaternary ammonium salts and combinations thereof. Preferably, the antimicrobial agent is approved as food additive, (see, e.g., United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) Directive 7120.1, Amendment 3, 4/7/05; where the list is periodically updated as new formulations are approved).

In alternative aspects, the methods comprise, after stunning and optional exsanguination, injecting (e.g., by means of pressure) a liquid (e.g., water, aqueous solution, etc.) at a suitable temperature (e.g., from about 4.5°C (4O ⁰ F) to about 82°C (180 ⁰ F)) between the subcutaneous fat and the skin or hide to facilitate, at least in part, effective separation of the hide or skin from the carcass. In certain embodiments, injection of the liquid is initiated at a position(s) at or near one or both of the front digits of an ungulate animal (e.g., hoofed foot of a mammal), proceeding generally along the front legs and rearward between the subcutaneous fat and skin or hide, and exiting through one or more openings (e.g., incised or pierced pressure-release openings) at a position at or near one or both of the rear digits of the ungulate animal. In particular aspects, injection of the liquid is by use of an injection means comprising an injection nozzle or head of any size and shape suitable to be placed under the skin or hide at the injection initiation site. In certain embodiments that injection nozzle or head can be strategically extended and maneuvered between the skin or hide and the subcutaneous fat to facilitate the skin or hide separation process. In particular embodiments, the liquid is or comprises a suitable antimicrobial aspect or agent. Exemplary antimicrobial agents include, but are not limited to at least one of: ethylene oxide; chlorine dioxide gas; chlorine gas; ozone; l-hydroxyethylidene-l,l-diphosphoric acid (HEDP); organic acids; citric acid; lactic acid; acetic acid; hydrochloric acid; phosphoric acid; a blend of citric acid, hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid; propionic acid; acidic calcium sulfate; an aqueous solution of lactic acid, propionic acid and acidic calcium sulfate; acidified sodium chlorite; anhydrous ammonia; cetylpyridinium chloride; chlorine dioxide; DBDMH (l,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin); hydrogen peroxide; lactoferrin; nisin;

octanoic acid; peroxyacetic acid; peroxyoctanoic acid; potassium diphosphate; sodium citrate buffered with citric acid; sodium metasilicate; trisodium phosphate; quaternary ammonium salts and combinations thereof. Preferably, the antimicrobial agent is approved as food additive, (see, e.g., United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) Directive 7120.1, Amendment 3, 4/7/05; where the list is periodically updated as new formulations are approved).

Additional aspects comprise, after stunning and optional exsanguination, a combination of injecting a pressurized air or other suitable gas, and injecting a liquid {e.g., water, aqueous solution, etc.) at an appropriate temperature {e.g., from about 4.5°C (40 ⁰ F) to about 82°C (180 ⁰ F)), between the subcutaneous fat and the skin or hide. The injections serve to facilitate, at least in part, effective separation of the hide or skin from the carcass. In particular embodiments, injection of the air or gas, and injection of the liquid is simultaneous (or substantially so) or concomitant. Alternatively, injection of the liquid may be, at least in part, subsequent to air or gas injection. Alternatively, injection of the air or gas may be, at least in part, subsequent to injection of the liquid. In particular aspects, the method and means of injection of the air or suitable gas, or injection of the liquid, is as described above for the respective individual air or gas, or liquid injection methods. In particular aspects, one or more antimicrobial agents is used as described herein above. The air or suitable gas may be or comprise such an antimicrobial agent. The liquid may be or comprise such an antimicrobial agent. Alternatively, the air or suitable gas, and the liquid may be or comprise such an antimicrobial agent.

In yet additional aspects, the above methods further comprise making suitable strategic incisions, and/or removing the hide or skin from the carcass by making suitable strategic incisions.

In further embodiments, the above-described methods further comprise 'pulling' of the hide or skin, such that the resulting hide or skin is flat or tubular in shape. Preferably, such methods comprise, prior to such pulling, making suitable strategic incisions to facilitate removing the hide or skin from the carcass by pulling.

An alternate embodiment of the method for dressing of a carcass comprises: stunning and optional exsanguination of a carcass, the carcass having a hide or skin; injecting pressurized air or other suitable gasses (e.g., nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc.) between the subcutaneous fat and skin or hide to provide for separating the hide or skin from the carcass; injecting a liquid at a suitable temperature (e.g., in the range of about

4.5°C (40°F) to about 82°C (180 ⁰ F)) between the subcutaneous fat and the skin or hide to facilitate effective separation of the hide or skin from the carcass; making suitable incisions to facilitate removing the hide or skin from the carcass; and pulling of the hide or skin from the carcass to provide for a hide or skin that is optimal (e.g., planar or tubular) in shape.

Exemplary Preferred Aspects: Particular aspects provide a method for dressing of a carcass, comprising: stunning a carcass, the carcass having a hide or skin and having subcutaneous fat thereunder; injecting, using suitable injection means, pressurized air or suitable gas between the subcutaneous fat and skin or hide; and making one or more suitable

incisions, wherein injecting separation and removal of the hide or skin from the carcass is, at least in part, facilitated. In additional aspects, the methods further comprise injecting a liquid at a suitable temperature between the subcutaneous fat and the skin or hide. Preferably, the suitable temperature comprises a temperature in the range of about 4.5°C to about 82°C. In additional aspects, the methods further comprise, prior to injection, exsanguinating the stunned carcass. In additional emboidments, the methods further comprise, after making suitable incisions, pulling of the hide or skin from the carcass to provide for a hide or skin that is optimally shaped. In particular aspects, the optimal shape comprises a planar or tubular shape. In certain embodiments, the suitable gas comprises a gas selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, ethylene oxide; chlorine dioxide gas; chlorine gas; ozone; and combinations thereof. Preferably, the air or suitable gas is or comprises an antimicrobial aspect or agent. Preferably, the antimicrobial aspect or agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of: ethylene oxide; chlorine dioxide gas; chlorine gas; ozone; 1- hydroxyethylidene-l,l-diphosphoric acid (HEDP); organic acids; citric acid; lactic acid; acetic acid; hydrochloric acid; phosphoric acid; a blend of citric acid, hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid; propionic acid; acidic calcium sulfate; an aqueous solution of lactic acid, propionic acid and acidic calcium sulfate; acidified sodium chlorite; anhydrous ammonia; cetylpyridinium chloride; chlorine dioxide; DBDMH (l,3-dibromo-5,5- dimethylhydantoin); hydrogen peroxide; lactoferrin; nisin; octanoic acid; peroxyacetic acid; peroxyoctanoic acid; potassium diphosphate; sodium citrate buffered with citric acid; sodium metasilicate; trisodium phosphate; and quaternary ammonium salts. In particular embodiments, injecting of the air or suitable gas is initiated at one or more

positions at or near one or both of the front digits of an ungulate animal, proceeds generally along the front legs and rearward between the subcutaneous fat and skin or hide, and exits through one or more pressure-release openings at one or more positions at or near one or both of the rear digits of the ungulate animal. In particular embodiments, suitable injection means comprises an injection member in communication of a source of pressurized air or suitable gas, the member comprising an injection nozzle or head (e.g., activatible nozzle or head articulating with the source).

Alternate embodiments provide methods for dressing of a carcass, comprising: stunning a carcass, the carcass having a hide or skin and having subcutaneous fat thereunder; injecting, by suitable injection means, a liquid at a suitable temperature between the subcutaneous fat and the skin or hide; and making one or more suitable incisions, wherein injecting, separation and removal of the hide or skin from the carcass is, at least in part, facilitated. Preferably, the methods comprise, prior to injection, exsanguinating the stunned carcass. In additional aspects, the methods further comprise, after making suitable incisions, pulling of the hide or skin from the carcass to provide for a hide or skin that is optimally shaped. Preferably, the optimal shape comprises a planar or tubular shape. In particular embodiments, the injected liquid is or comprises an antimicrobial aspect or agent. Preferably, the antimicrobial aspect or agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of: ethylene oxide; chlorine dioxide gas; chlorine gas; ozone; l-hydroxyethylidene-l,l-diphosphoric acid (HEDP); organic acids; citric acid; lactic acid; acetic acid; hydrochloric acid; phosphoric acid; a blend of citric acid, hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid; propionic acid; acidic calcium sulfate; an aqueous solution of lactic acid, propionic acid and acidic calcium sulfate; acidified sodium

chlorite; anhydrous ammonia; cetylpyridinium chloride; chlorine dioxide; DBDMH (1,3- dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin); hydrogen peroxide; lactoferrin; nisin; octanoic acid; peroxyacetic acid; peroxyoctanoic acid; potassium diphosphate; sodium citrate buffered with citric acid; sodium metasilicate; trisodium phosphate; and quaternary ammonium salts. In certain embodiments, injecting of the liquid is initiated at one or more positions at or near one or both of the front digits of an ungulate animal, proceeds generally along the front legs and rearward between the subcutaneous fat and skin or hide, and exits through one or more pressure-release openings at one or more positions at or near one or both of the rear digits of the ungulate animal. In certain embodiments, the suitable injection means comprises an injection member in communication of a source of pressurized liquid, the member comprising an injection nozzle or head (e.g., activatible nozzle or head articulating with the source). In particular embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is lactic acid present at about 5% w/v.

Yet further embodiments provide methods for dressing of a carcass, comprising: stunning and exsanguinating a carcass, the carcass having a hide or skin and having subcutaneous fat thereunder; injecting, by suitable injection means, pressurized air or suitable gas between the subcutaneous fat and skin or hide to provide, at least to some extent, for separating the hide or skin from the carcass; injecting, by suitable injection means, a liquid at a suitable temperature between the subcutaneous fat and the skin or hide to facilitate, at least to some extent, effective separation of the hide or skin from the carcass; making one or more suitable incisions, wherein injecting of air or gas, injecting of liquid, separation and removal of the hide or skin from the carcass is, at least in part, facilitated. In particular aspects, the suitable temperature comprises a temperature in the

range of about 4.5°C to about 82°C. Additional embodiments of the methods further comprise pulling of the hide or skin from the carcass to provide for a hide or skin that is optimally shaped. Preferably, the optimal shape comprises a planar or tubular shape. In certain embodiments, the suitable gas comprises a gas selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, ethylene oxide; chlorine dioxide gas; chlorine gas; ozone; and combinations thereof. Preferably, at least one of the air or suitable gas and the liquid comprises an antimicrobial aspect or agent. Preferably, the antimicrobial aspect or agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide; chlorine dioxide gas; chlorine gas; ozone; l-hydroxyethylidene-l,l-diphosphoric acid (HEDP); organic acids; citric acid; lactic acid; acetic acid; hydrochloric acid; phosphoric acid; a blend of citric acid, hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid; propionic acid; acidic calcium sulfate; an aqueous solution of lactic acid, propionic acid and acidic calcium sulfate; acidified sodium chlorite; anhydrous ammonia; cetylpyridinium chloride; chlorine dioxide; DBDMH (l,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin); hydrogen peroxide; lactoferrin; nisin; octanoic acid; peroxyacetic acid; peroxyoctanoic acid; potassium diphosphate; sodium citrate buffered with citric acid; sodium metasilicate; trisodium phosphate; and quaternary ammonium salts. In particular embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is lactic acid present at about 5% w/v. In particular aspects, injecting of the air, suitable gas and liquid is initiated at one or more positions at or near one or both of the front digits of an ungulate animal, proceeds generally along the front legs and rearward between the subcutaneous fat and skin or hide, and exits through one or more pressure-release openings at one or more positions at or near one or both of the rear digits of the ungulate animal. In certain embodiments, the suitable injection means comprises an injection

member in communication of a source of pressurized air or gas, and liquid, respectively, the member comprising an injection nozzle or head. In particular embodiments, the injection means is a combination injection means suitable to provide for injection of both air or gas, and liquid. In particular embodiments of the method, injection of the air or gas, and injection of the liquid is simultaneous or substantially so, or is at least to some extent concomitant. In alternate embodiments, injection of the liquid is, at least in part, subsequent to air or gas injection. Alternatively, injection of the air or gas is, at least in part, subsequent to injection of the liquid.