"A Meat and Stock Recovery Fro&ess and Products thereof

This invention relates to the recovery of meat and stock from offal and the generation αf enriched stock products derived from selected fractions and products of this meat recovery process

The term offal, herein defined as under utilised meats, is usually defined as the hide, skin, feathers, intestine, soft tissue (Hver, kidney, heart «sfo) and blood (usually derived from primary slaughtering). However, under utilised meats {including meat- trim, fat. skin, ton©, spent carcasses and other discards) usually generated in secondary processing may also fal! under th$ general term offal Animal by-product becomes inedible offal unlit for human consumption once it falls outside the chill chain and acceptable levels of hygienic handling, further processing and storage.

There are increasingly strict official regulations concerning the handling, rendering and disposal of meat offal. This has increased the handling costs for the safe disposal of this discard material.

The process of the invention deals with the selection of under-utilised meal materials (wilh and without bone inclusion) and the processing of this material.

Traditional meat stocks or natural støcKs ^* as used herein may be generated from all species, including bovine, ovine, avian and porcine meals, Meat stocks are traditionally generated by heating of meat based materials, including bones and spent or under ulilised meat, in water, Typical ratios of vwaler to meat are approximately 2;1 to 3:1. Ths resultant solution is heated to approximately 80 ^β C

and allowed to simmer for a lime of 2 Io 20 hours, wherein fat is removed during hθatsng. The resultant stock is heated and eooted for a number of cycles to increase stock viscosity (body). Thθ final slock is decanted and reduced via indirect heating. Further polishing may be employed (clarification) with the final B product being subsequently packaged and chϊlfed to, for example 4 ^* 0.

There are many disadvantages associated with traditional stock processes including the production of a significant amount of waste materia! and the associated need for disposal of this waste material. 0

St is an object of the present invention to provide an efficient stock and meat recovery process with a view to reducing the amount of this waste materia) and minimising dispøsa! costs.

5 Another object of the present invention, to provide a process for the production of enriched products derived from the products of this meat and stock recovery process.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a meat recovery process for the generation of a natural stock or gelatin© fraction comprising the steps of: 0 a, collecting offal material;

b. cooking the αffaϊ material in water;

S c, decanting the cooked material into a solids fraction and a liquor fraction;

ύ. separating the solids fraction into meat material and bone material using a non-destructive gravity separation method, preferably a fluidised bed system, vibratory beds or sieve system, and delivering said meat material and said bone material for further processing; and

θ, reducing the water content of the liquor fraction by evaporation or reverse osmosis to produce a concentrated slock product.

The liquor fraction obtained in step [C) is also known as ϊbe "mother liquor ^" .

This process provides several advantages over known processes.

One advantage of the process of the irwanthn is the way in which the meat is separated from (he bone after the stock has been decanted. Traditional methods for the separation of fresh meat from bons generally employ physical separation of meat from the bone using mechanical separation systems, for example techniques based on pressure, vacuum, shearing, sieve type systems and cornbsnalioπs thereof,

The present invention invoives the non-destruclivθ separating of bone from the meat when separating IhQ solids fraction, preferably gravity separation techniques.

Preferably, the process includes separating the solids fraction by using fhiidis^d bed technologies, vibratory beds and/or sieve systems which fractionate !he meat on the basis of solids density and size. More preferably, the process of the invention uses a flϋfdised bed system. Such gravity separation techniques are not generally used Jn

this type of process. These separation techniques allow for the non-destructive separation of bone materia) from meat.

Furthermore, these techniques allows for the separation of fine bone materia! (hat would not as removed usfng conventional sieving systems. The presence of bone has implications regarding food grade and safety issues, Thus, techniques which provide for the elimination of such fine bone material will be of great commercial importance.

Furthermore, the process of the invention has the additional advantage that the use of natural heating n water of the meat materials allows for the ready release of meat from the bone.

Another advantage is that the meat prepared from the abov© process has a fibre and tøxium unlike frscfittαnat mechanical meal recovery processes which disrupt meat fibre integrity and generate meat fractions which resemble an undesirable amorphous paste. The recovered meat has a fibre and texture similar to regular meat,

Yet another advantage is that this process allows for the de-pigmentation of dark meats which are high in myoglobin. The use of water and heat denatures the myoglobin. Thus, the meat separated according to the invention is pale in colour and allows for the generation of white meats from dark meat without the need for the use of chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide.

Essentially, this process provides for the effective separation of meat from tone while maintaining {he meat integrity and. fibrous nature of ϊhe meat.

The meat may then be uiifeed as a meat ingredient for value added processing as is or incorporated with fresh meat and subject to further processing such as chopping/mincing, cooking/roasting or addition of flavouringfeeasontng and subsequent filling inlo containers as a cooked restructured meat log or loaf. The containers may then be sterilised/pasteurised and chilled until dispatch. Other furtfier processing steps may be involved.

This procedure allows for bones and no n- recovered meat and fats to bo delivered for further processing in, for example, pet food manufacture.

In another embodiment of the invention, Jhe stock manufacturing process may comprise the further steps of other natural ingredient additions, such as vegetables. natumi herbs, $pte®$ etc, to lha otfalfunόewtiks&dhm$al materia! prior to or during cooking If? water.

In another embodiment of the invention, the process may comprise the steps of reheating and cooling the mother liquor over a number of cycles to enhance the viscosity and body of the stock,

Another advantage of the process is that the concentrated stock obtained from the process may be controlled from a colour and visual appearance aspect. The controlled high heal treatment of the stock product during the process reduces lhe associated Mailtørd browning and allows greater control of the final product colour.

Furthermore, the process of the present invention provides high product throughput

where there is less waste and hence, associated labour anύ energy savings,

In yet another embodiment of the invention the process includes reducing the water content of the liquor fraction by plate evaporation or by reverse osmosis. Traditional systems use standard toiling systems or shallow pan systems. The use Qf evaporation techniques according to the invention, such as plate evaporation, to dewater the stock provides a significant improvement in terms of speed, capacity and quality control.

Furthermore, the present invention allows the manipulation of the tola! solids present in the stock, by slock reduction Io achieve levels ranging from approximately 10% - 80%, preferably 20% to 30% by weight based on the total slock. This is important as stock quality Ss graded on the basis of tola! solids and colour while maintaining an acceptable flavour profile. This is a significant advantage.

In another embodiment the process includes further reducing the concentrated stock by flash heating. This will typically involve the evaporation of the liquor using aggressive heating and a large surface area provided in shallow heating pans, This allows stock colour and flavour to b© controlled by flash heating post ctewatering (evaporation) and allows control of the MailSard reaction that occurs to achieve a desired flavour and colour.

The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction between an amino acid and a reducing sugar, usually requiring the addition of høat. The reactive carboπyl group of the sugar interacts with the nudeophilic amino group of the amino acid and poorly

characteri2ed odour and flavour molecules result. The reaction is ihe basis of ihe flavouring industry, since the type of amino acid determines ihe resulting flavour,

In the process, hundreds of different flavour components are created. These compounds in turn break Q ¹ GWi to form yet more new flavour compounds and so on,

Each type of food has a very distinctive set of flavour compounds that are formed during the Milliard reaction. It is these some compounds that flavour scientists have been using over the years to create artificial flavours.

in a further embodiment the process includes reducing the (mother) tiquor fraction to a solids content in the order of 25-35% total solids, preferably in the order of 28-32% total solids, and most preferably about 30% total solids _*

In another embodiment the process mciuάas further drying Ihe concentrated stock for increasing the solids content to aβout βO-80% total solids, This further drying may conveniently be earned out by spray drying or roJler drying. If desired a paste (10 to

15% water content) or anhydrous powder product (with lsss than 6% water content) may be produced.

In another embodiment the process includes cooking this offal material in water. Preferably the ratio of offal to water is in th© range 1 :1 to 1 :5. Typically the cooking is carried out at a temperature in the range 6G-IGCTG for a period in the range 2 to 20 hours.

Further fractions generated during the production of this stock liquor and solids meat/bone fraction incJude a water-based liquid with 5 to 10% total solids {which

- B -

forms irre initial stock mother liquor), an oil traction and a gelatine or refined gelatine fraction, These oil and gelatine fractions may be further processed and used in further processing and/or in components of (he Nu Stoc™ or Nuiri Stoc ^m range of ingredients,

In another embodiment the process includes removing fat, gelatine and light solids which migrate Io the surface/upper strata of the stock liquor during healing. This removal may conveniently be carried out using air or any other suitable removal method. Preferably, fat separation further involves the recovery of free fat for further processing. Fat is decanted and clarified using forced gravity separation which removes fines and generates very pure grade oil. This pure grade oil may be used as an ingredient in food processing,

According Jo another embodiment of ibis aspect of the invention, the meat recovery process defined above further comprises the steps of

f. ooitecting a collagen rich source-;

g. preparing a collagen rich fraction from collagen rich underutilised meat sources:

h. blending the collagen rich fraction with the concentrated stock product obtained from the process as defined above ; and

i. preparing a rmcro-emuteiøn formulation of concentrated slock product and collagen rich fraction to form an enriched stock

producL

This aspect of the invention is further defined in more detail below.

Optionally, functional food ingredients may be added to the collagen rich fraction either before or after combination with the natural or concentrated stock. Again this aspect of Ih © invention is further defined in more detail below.

A second aspect of this present invention deais with the preparation of an enriched stock product for use in the further processing of meats, processed meals or meat based products (Nu Stoε™ or Nutri Stoc™}.

The advent øf sine! legislation within the EU and other jurisdictions pertaining to the type of added ingredients that ni^y bθ added to meat products and the reform of fabeWπg requirements has resulted fπ the soureing of ingredients that are functional

(in terms of water and fat binding), safe (traceabSlity issues) wholesome and non- allergenic, This aspect of the present invention addresses these issues.

The term 'enriched stock product" used herein will be understood to cover any natural meat stock derived from specific species (such as avian, bovine or porcine) containing a collagen-rich fraction also obtained during the production of natural stock, it will also be understood to encompass a gelatine fraction derived from the meat stock process containing a coltagen-πch fraction.

According to this aspect of the present invention, meat stock may be generated in the traditional manner or according to the process described above with the natural

stock or concentrated stock according to the invention or gelatine fraction being manipulated through the direct addition of collagen rich fractions.

According Io one aspect of the invention, there is provided a process for preparing 5 an enriched stock product comprising the steps of:

a. collect; n$ a collagen rich source;

b. preparing a collagen rich fraction from the collagen rich source; id c. blending the collagen rich fraction with a natural stock; and

ύ. preparing a micro-emulsion formulation to form an enriched stock product,

15

A more specific embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, comprises a process for preparing an enriched stock product comprising the steps of

a, collecting a collagen rich source; 0 b. preparing a collagen rich fraction from the collagen rich source;

G. blending lhe collagen rich fraction with natural stock, preferably the concentrated stock produced in accordance with the present invention, or 5 with tfi© gelatine fraction obtained during the process of (he present invention; and

d. preparing a rnicro-emutsion formulation of concentrated stock product or natural stock or gelatine fraction and (he collagen rich fraction to form an enriched stock product.

Preferably, the collagen enriched fraction is soureed from collagen rich underutilised meat derived sources. These sources include pork rind, chicken skin, beer coriurn layer or any meat cut high in connective tissue, for example, forequarter cuts.

According to one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the collagen rich sources are processed through the general steps of traditions! stock process production including heat treatment in combination with controlled physical shearing techniques. The use of physical shearing techniques on collagen fibre results in a parftcl© size reduction and a resultant increase in protein surface area. The application of controlled shearing, to Jess than 1 micron So 1rπm particle size, in conjunction with controlled heating techniques (60*C to 100 ^β C for 2 to 8 Hours) generates similar unfolding and protein solubitϊsation to that achieved by chemically induced solubiusation techniques.

Application of physical reduction of protein particle size versus chemical solubilisation is dearly s more desirable process as it removes the need for chemical/additive interventions and maintains a natural process for high concentrate gelatine slock manufacture. Physically modified protein versus chemical modification affords a dean ingredient declaration whilst allowing the effective manipulation of collagen protein structure in combination with controlled

heating cycles In fhe presence or absence of pH adjustment (i.e. employing organic acids) of the gelatine rich fraction. This results in the controlled development of gelatine products as enrichment fractions for use in general stock preparation according to the present invention.

Reducing the particle size, increases th© surface area and essentially changes the physicochemiea! properties of treated solution, i.e. altering its viscosity and water binding capacity of the stock product This is advantageous as the treated solution can become a water binding adjunct Furthermore, the protein is modified in a controlled fashion wherein the total solids are increased without having to use excessive heat treatment to devvater.

Ideally, shearing the solids involve grinding and particle size reduction of collagen rich fraction Io a defined psάicle size. Preferably, in© particle size is tip Io a maximum of Imπi. Ideally, the particle sύ∑β is from less than 1 mtcrøn to 1mm. Any conventional shearing apparatus may be used, although it must bs able !o achieve the desired particle size reduction range and be able to complete the shearing in the presence of heat. Apparatus such as agitated medta mills which can grind particle down to lower than 10nm may be used. Resultant particles may have to be sterilised against re-agglomeration by the use of chemical additives or an electrostatic or sleric mechanism. Alternatively, high pressure valve homogenisers or mϊcrαfluidizers may be utilised.

Mild pH adjustment using organic acids may also be employed at this step to enhance coElagen solubilisation. Optionally, pasteuristtion/steriljzation may also occur at this stage. Additionally, the process may involve the removal of fat and

other soiids ₍ and physically shearing th& remaining soϋds to generating an amorphous paste. The heatfng step and shearing accelerates the soSubilisatϊon of the collagen lύ gelatine or semi-refined coJiagen.

According to another embodiment of the invention step the collagen rich fraction is produced from the collagen rich source by the steps of heat treatment, following by separating the fat and solids and subsequently shearing the solids from the collagen rich sou re® to form a collagen rich fraction of defined particle see,

Preferably, heat treatment takes place from approximately 80 to 120"C for approximately 120 to 240 minutes and the heating and cooling eyefe can be repeated in order to manipulate the collagen source and modify stock viscosity and overall body/consistency,

Preferably, fat separation further involves the recovery of free fat for further processing. Fg t is decanted and clarified using forced gravity separation which removes fines and generates very pure grade oil. This pure grade oil may be used as an ingredient in food processing.

ideally, the ratio of stock Io collagen rich fraction is based on the concentration of proline tn the fractions. The total soϋds also dictate the final ratios in terms of misting.

Preferably the ratio of collagen rich fraction to natural or concentrated stock is from approximately 1:1 to 1:4. These form the resultant mtcrσ-emulsϊon formutaliort.

As discussed above the resultant micro-emulsion formulation contains the sheared coflageπ rich fraction of defined particle size and (he natural slock. The vasj majority of particles within the micro-emulsion will be of defined size (from less than 1 micron to 1mm) and as expanded on above, these particles distribute readily wilhfn the formulation Le. natural stock to provide a resultant "micro-emulsion" formulation. It is the coiiagen rich fraction which acts as a carrier for the functional food ingredient defined below.

The micro-emulsion formulation may optionally be subjected to a further heating, blending and/or shearing step,

!t is this rnicro-tmulsion formulation which can be used as an enrichment fraction tor general stoeij preparation.

Ictealfy, the concentrated stock has a solid content from approximately 50 to 80% total solids.

Optionally, the process according to both aspects of the invention may further comprise lhe steps of packaging and chilling the resultant formulation.

The collagen enrichment of the natural stock or concentrated stock according to lhe invention results in an increased amount of total solids and improved functionality in terms of water fat binding and film formation. Total solids increase the water binding capacity and protein content. The collagen rich fraction can act as an emulsifter, however, its main advantage is that of water binding vvilhin meat systems.

Th e concentrated stock fraction and enriched stock fraction of the irwαniton can be injected into whole muscle meals (reformed meats) and meat products (restructure and comminuted meals} and these products have the physical and chemical abϊ.ϊέy

S to bind water in meats.

This enriched stock product based on the refined gelatine fraction can also be used as a coating, glaze or edibte film.

0 According io another aspect of this invention functional food ingredients may be added to the coliagen rich fraction either before or after combination with the natural or concentrated stock or gelatine fraction. Additionally, the gelatine fraction may also comprise a functional food ingredient, In this way the gelatine fraction aels a canier for the functional food ingredient (Nulri Stoc ^tM ),

According to this embodiment of the fπvenfton, the functional food ingredient may be directly added to the to the micro-emulsion formulation or to (he collagen rich fraction prior to blend with the stock or gelatine product Thus, the functional food ingredient is added post heating/pasteurisation of lhe meat or related food product. 0

Functional foods according to the invention will be understood to be foods or food ingredients which are snrtched with additional health/nutritional benefits. These foods may also be known as "nutraceutcials ^" which are food or parts of food which provide medicinal or health benefits including the prevention or treatment of disease. They may b© selected from s naturally nutrtenl-rfch or medicinally active food, such as garlic or soybeans, or it may be a specific component of a food, such

as the αmega-3 fish oils derived from salmon or øtfief cold water fish,

In Ibis way these functional foods may be applied to meai _t processed rneøϊ or meat-based products using natural stock as the carrier pre- or post-cooking as S explained above.

The addition of such functional foods provides a significant value added effect to the stock or gelatine fraction.

0 Preferably, functional foods include natural preservatives such as nisin, phytosterols and antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

Ni ^' Sin is- an inhibitory palyeyclic peplide with 34 amino acid residues and is commonly useύ as a food preservative. It contains the uncommon amino acids lanthionin©, 5 methyflartfnionine, dtehydrσalanfns and dihydrα-amino-butyric acid. These special amino acids are synthesized by pαstlranslationa! modifications. NisJπ is produced by fermentation using the bacterium LBCiococcus fastis. Commercially it is obtained from natural substrates including milk and is not chemically synthesized. Il is used in processed cheese production to extend shelf life by suppressing grartvpositive D spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. There are many other applications of this preservative in feed and beverage production. Dus to its highly selective spectrum αf activity it is also employed as a selective agent in microbiological media for the isolation of gram-negative bacteria, yeast and moulds. Sυbtilin and Epidermin are related to Nisia As a food additive, nisin has E number E234. 5

An antioxidant is a chemical that reduces the rate of particular oxidation reactions in a

spscific context, where oxidation reactions are chemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons from a substance to an oxidising agent.

Phytostβrols (also called plant sterols) are a group of steroid alcohol, pftytochemicafs naturally occurring in plants. They are white powders with mild, characteristic odor, insoluble in water and soluble in alcohols. They have many applications as food additives, and in medicirrø and cosmetics. Plants contain a range of phytosterols. They act as a structural component In the eel! membrane, a rote which in mammalian oelSs is played by chotesterol As a food additive, phytosterols have cholesterol- towering properties (reducing cholesterol absorption in intestines), and may act in cancer prevention. Phyiosterois naturally occur in small amounts in vegetable oils, especially soybean oil One such phytosterol complex, isolated from vegetable oil, ϊs cholestatic composed of compestørol, siigmasϊerol, and brassicastero! and is marketed as a dietary supplement The mechanism behind phytøsterote and the lowering ύ( cholesterol occurs as follows: the incorporation of cholesterol into micdtes in the gastrointesimaf tract ϊs inhibited, decreasing the overall amount of cholesterol a&sorbed. This may in turn help to control body total cholesterol levels, as well as modify HDL, LDL and TAG levels. Many margarines, butters, breakfast cereals and spreads are now enriched with phyiostørots and marketed towards people with high cholesterol and a wish to lower it.

Accordmg to another aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a concentrated stock product or enriched stock product according to the invention in the production of a meat, processed meats or meat based product.

According to one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the enriched stock

product is dtrectϊy added or injected to a meal, processed meat or meat based product Il will be understood lhat processed meats include reformed. resJrυctured and commMiuled meats.

Furthermore, another major advantage of the present invention is that the direct addition of these enriched stocks to meat products reduces the need for the addition of chemical aids, such as phosphates, and other meat binders, such as polysaccharides including starch and carrageen and proteins such as soya, dairy, wheat and combination blends.

According to yet another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, lho collagen enriched slock product may be used as a phosphate replace*. The enriched stock product is a protein product that can bind water, thus, it can replace phosphate safe as a chemical which as a watw binder by changing the pH and structure of meat This stock is a nalura! alternative to known water binders. Furthermore, other protein binders used in conventional meat processing include dairy proteins and soya both of which have allergen Issues associated with them, Thø enriched stock of the present invention is altergen free, natural, and tailor made to be meat species specific,

According to another aspect of the invention, the gelatine fraction obtained during the separation of the solids from the stock liquor or enriched stock product containing the gelatine fraction may be used as a coaling, glaze or edible film for meals or meal based products, {Nutri Stoc ^m ),

Specifically, the gelatine fraction may be employed as a barrier film post cooking.

For this application the gelatine fraction may be sprayed onto the surface of various meat products as a pre pasteurised/sterilised fine bio or edible film to Q&πeraie a natural oxygen impermeable coating system on the surface of such meal products on selling post cooling. This enhances the colour and stability of the product where surface colour fading as a function of time due to continuous freezing or chilling is a problem. Colour fading is realised in blast chilled/frozen products where surface αxidaϊtøn through exposure to forced chilled air Colour fading may also be an issue especially in the case of skin on products such as chicken, beef and pork products.

It will be understood that the enriched stock and gelatine product according to the invention are a meat based natural, wholesome, safe (pasteurised or sterilized) meat extender which can be generated for use with each meat type. The enriched products of the invention provide the advantage that {hey are meat based and can be defined as a natural meal based ingredient m compliance v/tih food regulation requirements.

Furthermore, the enriched functional food stock product may be used as a phosphate replacement ingredient, fortified stock, sauce, gravy and edible film/glazing ingredient for using post coating for use in meats, processed meats or meat*based products. The enriched slock product with functional food may be used in the same way as the enriched stock product bui will have different health benefits according tα the functional food used.

The invention will be more clearly understood by the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic ftøw chart illustrating a meat recovery process according to the invention;

Figs, 2 and 3 are schematic flow charts illustrating another meal recovery process of ths invention;

Fig, 4 shows the different fractions obtained during slock production; and

Figs. 5 and 6 are schematic flow charts illustrating the process for forming an enriched stock product according to the invention.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Fig, t thereof, there is illustrated a meat recovery process according to the invention indicated generally by lhe reference numeral ! Offal materia! 2 is collected, This may b& waste materials generated for example during primary or secondary processing, A quantity of offal material is delivered with water tn the ratio 1:1 to 1:5 respectively to a cooking station 8- Water is delivered from a water supply source 6 to the cooking station 8, The offal materia! is heated in lhe water within a temperature range of 60-100 ^* 0 for 2 - 10 hours Fat and light solids that migrate to the surface of the liquid are physically removed using aif, from a pressurised air supply source 7 for example, or one of a range of other separation methodologies The heating of the material will result in the generation of a stock liquor and a solids fraction. It will also resuit in the generation of an oil and gelatine fraction, as described in Rg s 4a and 4b below,

The cooked material is decanted 9 to separate the cooked mixture into a liquor

fractiσn 10 and a solids fraction 11,

Thø water content of the liquor fraction 10 (containing a total sotfds content of about 3-7%) is reduced at a ctewalβring station 12 by plate evaporation or by reverse osmosis. This provides rapid dewatering of the liquor with a relatively low energy consumption. If desired reduced stock may be finished through flash healing (in shallow heating pans) in order to generate a desirable colour and flavour in the Rnal stock. The dewatβring concentrates the stock liquor to achieve a solids content of about 30% total solids. The concentrated stocK. product thus produced may be delivered for further processing 14. Some or all of the concentrated stock product may be delivered for further drying 15 by spray or roller drying for example to prepare a slock paste in which the total solids of the stock concentrate are increased to about 60-80% toJaf solids, A powder product having a water content of tess Shan 6% may be produced.

The solids generated in the stock preparation are essentially pasteurised due Io the high temperature and time employed during the coαKing phase at the cooking station 8. The application of heat results in the meat falling from the bone material as the collagen and connective tissue are sotublised and converted to gelatine. While the meat is pasteurised and ts in a fibrous form {possesses its meat texture and quality), the bone fraction and heavy cartilage has to be extracted in order to realise the value of the meat.

The solids fraction 11 is separated 20 into meat materia! and bone material using fluidised bed technologies, vibratory beds and sieve systems Jo fractionate the meal on the basis of solids density and size. This non-destructive separation of bone from

meat results in a meat stream 22 that is acceptable for further processing 23 to produce food products for example. There is effective separation of meat from bone white maintaining meat intøgrtly. The fibrous nature of the meat Is retmnedi.

Bones 24 together with non-recovered meal and fat (this will be approximately 30- 40% of the tola! solids fraction) is delivered for further processing 25 for example to produce a product for use in pet food manufacture.

Referring now to Figs. 2 and 3 there is illustrated another meal recovery process indicated generally by the reference numeral 3d Steps in the process 30 similar to those in the process described previously are assigned the same reference numerals. The offa! materia! 2 may be collected from a number of sources either ensile or from one or more remote sites. The offal material is transported 3 to the processing area having a γBW materia! MBKB 4, At the intake 4 various testing and classification may be carried out as required, If not being used immediately th© offal material may fcθ retained in a refrigerated ftofdiπg station 5. When required the offaf may be prepared in s marshalling area 6 prior to delivery to the cooking station 8 together with water for cooking as previously described,

After cooking the material is decanted with the liquor fraction being delivered tα the elewateπng station 12 anci the solids fraction 11 being separated 20 in to the meat stream 22 and bone stream 24,

After dewaterϊng 12 as previously described further stock processing 14 may include stock filling 16 of containers fαltowed by cMfrng 1 ? to below 4*C or if required freezing to -18 ^B C. Th© stock is then dsiivergd into storage 18 ready for dispatch 19

as required.

Standardisation or blending 32 and qualify control 33 steps may be carried out as required.

5

As described before the soled fraction 11 is separated 20 into meat 22 and ten© 24 materia!. The further processing 23 of the meat stream 22 may include for example bowl chopping or coarse mtncing 35. Additional ingredient materials such as binders and seasonings may be added to the meat as required. At a filling station 36 the

10 meat mixture may be stuffed or filled into chubs or cans which are delivered to a sealing station 37 for closure of the container. Containers are then -delivered, to a heating/pasteurisation station 38 for cooking and/or pasteurisation of the product, Regenerated steam 39 frøm the stock flash healing process may be used in the heating or pasteurisation 38 of »hβ product

1.5

The product ϊs then cooled 40 and delivered Io chill storage 42 awaiting dispatch AZ. Alternatively further processing 44 may be carried out prior to dispatch, said further processing including dicing, slicing or roasting for example.

20 The bone material 24 will include ncn-recovøred meat and fat. This bone material may be delivered for further processing 2S which includes grinding/mincing 50. The bone matertal is then filled 51 into trays, bags or other containers. The containers are deϋvered for chilling 52 prior to dispatch 53 for use in pet food manufacture 54 for example.

25 f{ will be noted that the dewateriπg of ihe stock material and (he physical segregation

of bone material from meat may be carried out in a dedicated separation chamber or room.

It will be appreciated that the invention provides an improved process for the efficient dewatering of stock material which facilitates the rapid handling of stock materia! with improved throughput or capacity.

Further, effective separation of meat from bone Is achieved whilst maintaining meat structural integrity and retaining the fibrous nature of the meat due to the non- destructive gravity separation process employed. There is also maintenance of the safety {microbial) and whαlesomeness of the meat during this phase.

The invention provides a process for the effective segregation of expensive under- utøised mύat material for further food processing.

Figs. 4a and 4b show the fractionation and reduction stages of stock production. After initial heating, a stock liquor with approximately 5% total solids (Fig 4a) is generated that can be further reduced to generate a 30% total solids stock (Fig 4b). Additional fractions are also generated including an oil fraction which can be clarified and polished to give edible σii approx. 9% of total volume, A pure gelatin© fraction can also be generated. These edsbte oil fractions and pure gelatine fractions, which are also classified as slock products, can be used in the further processing of the meat and stock products.

Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6 there is illustrated a process for the preparation of an enriched stock product according Io the invention indicated generally by the reference

numeral 55.

Referring to Rg, 5, there is illustrated a process for the preparation of an enriched stock product according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral

5 55> The collagen rich source 56 is collected. The collagen rich source is then heated at a cooking station 57 within a temperature range of S0-12CTC for 2 - 20 hours. Fat

58 and light solids 59 that migrate to the surface of the liquid are physically removed using conventional separation methodologies. The remaining mixture Ss then sheared to a defined particle stee {generally from less than 1 micron to 1mm) to form

IQ a collagen rich fraction 60.

The collagen rich fraction is then Wended 61 with a natural stock or concentrated stock produced in accordance with the process of the invention, to form a micro emulsion 62 which Is lh& enriched slock product of the invention. Alternatively, the IS collagen rich fraction is blended with (he gefafiπe fraction obtained during the production of the concentrated stock product. If desired, the micro-emulsion may be subjected to a further heat treatment, blending and/or shearing step,

This is then packaged, chilled 63 and is then ready for dispatch §4> 20

A functional food 65 ingredient may be introduced at step 60 or step 62, IQ. before or after blending the collagen rich fraction with the natural stock, concentrated stock or gelatine fraction but post healing. The collagen rich fraction acts as a carrier for the functional food ingredient.

2.ς

According a more specific embodiment of this invention illustrated in Fig, 6, a

colfagen rich source, from for example chicken skin, pork rind and beef coriurn layer 55 is collected This is then processed according to 57 to 60 Jo form a collagen rich fraction of desired properties. These properties include that it has an ability to form a the rmo reversible gel, it is water soluble, colourless, odourless with a good flavour profite, safe and wholesome.

Essentially, the collagen rich source is heated (57). the fat is removed (5S), the solids are separated (SS) and the resultant product is sheared to form the collagen rich fraction.

Tho collagen rich fraction may then be blended with natural stock (61 } or stock produced in accordance with the process of the invention to form a micro-emulsion (B2) which is the enriched stock product It may be subjected to further heat/blending or mixing steps, it may then be packaged and chilled {63} and then dispatched (QA). Alternatively, if may be blended wflh the gelatins fraction obtained during the production of the concentrated stock product.

Alternatively, a functional food ingredient {65) may be added to the collagen rich fraction (80) prior to blending with natural stock or the gelatine fraction,

Another alternative includes adding the functional food ingredient (65) to the micro emulsion formulation at step 62, Ie. after the collagen rich fraction has beers blended with the natural stock or gelatine.

Optionally, the gelatine fraction (see figure 4a and 4b) may be combined wilh the functional food ingredient The gelatine fraction acts as a carrier, Th© gelatin©/

funclioπal food ingredient are lhsn combined with the collagen rich fraction as defined previously.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hβreinbafore described which may be varied in both construction and detaii.