Patrick E Fahey

US Patent:

56793928, Oct 21, 1997

Filed:

Jun 7, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/477546

Inventors:

John Schegan - Santa Fe Springs CA
Patrick Fahey - New Orleans LA
John Tesvich - Buras LA

International Classification:

B65B 2522
A22C 2904

US Classification:

426412

Abstract:

A method of preparing raw molluscan shellfish meat in the shell or out of the shell is disclosed which employs a mild heat treatment and cold storage for the destruction of harmful pathogenic bacteria such as Vibrio Vulnificus. The raw molluscan shellfish, such as Oysters, arrives at the processing plant in a refrigerated state. The product is then culled, cleaned and graded into categories according the product size. The product is then enveloped in a polymer or metalized film bag to isolate the product. The bagged product is then placed on a rack which is then lowered into a circulating bath of water at a sufficient temperature and duration to kill the pathogens yet leave the meat in a raw state. The rack is then removed from the heated water bath and placed in a cold water bath with a continuous flow for a time period. The rack is removed from the cold water bath.