| abstract |
The invention relates to the pasteurization of unpasteurized liquid egg or the re-pasteurization of previously pasteurized liquid egg not packaged in accordance with the requirements of aseptic packaging. The liquid egg is placed in a container and the contents are sealed into such container. The container is then moved to a heating means where the contents are heated to a temperature of 140 DEG F to 155 DEG F and maintained there for 30 minutes for unpasteurized liquid egg and for previously pasteurized liquid egg to a temperature of 155 DEG F and maintained at such temperature for 3 to 4 minutes. The pasteurized liquid egg is then rapidly cooled (46) to below 40 DEG F. Heating may be carried out in hot water baths, by use of hot water spray, hot gases, steam, radiant heating or ovens, and cooling may be effected by the use of vats of water and ice, cold water sprays or refrigeration. |