Heat treatment of raw molluscan shellfish including a banding process

摘要

A method of preparing raw molluscan shellfish meat in the shell is disclosed which employs a mild heat treatment and cold storage for the destruction or reduction to lower levels of harmful pathogenic bacteria such as Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio cholerae and others. The raw molluscan shellfish, such as oysters, arrives at the processing plant in a refrigerated state. The mollusks then have a band placed around them, securing them against opening. The banded mollusks are then placed in a fluid bath at a sufficient temperature and duration to kill pathogens yet leave the meat in a raw state. The mollusks are then conveyed from the heated fluid bath and placed in a cold fluid bath. The mollusks are then removed from the cold fluid bath. The natural enclosure of the mechanically banded mollusk prevents the hot or cold fluids from contacting the flesh of the mollusk. The mollusks remain in a raw state and in the shell throughout the process. The pathogenic bacteria are reduced through the action of this process. Also disclosed is a banded mollusk product, suitable for human consumption with minimal preparation.