Production line for producing individual food products and method for producing individual food products

Abstract

The present invention relates to a production line (1) for producing individual food items (2') from a pumpable food material, comprising a heat treatment apparatus (5), a cutting apparatus (7), and a food material pump (3) for conveying at least one stream of food material (2) through the heat treatment apparatus (5) to the cutting apparatus (7), wherein the cutting apparatus (7) is arranged downstream of the heat treatment apparatus (5) and configured to cut the at least one stream of food material (2) leaving the heat treatment apparatus (5) into individual food items (2'). The invention further relates to a method for producing individual food items (2') from a pumpable food material, wherein the food material pump pumps the food material stream (2) through the downstream heat treatment apparatus (5) to the cutting apparatus (7), wherein the cutting apparatus (7) cuts the food material stream (2) into individual food items (2').

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a production line for producing individual food items and a method for producing individual food items. Background Technology

[0002] Foods, especially protein-containing foods such as meat and fish, or substitutes for these products, pet food, pasta, and potatoes, are frequently subjected to heat treatment during production, such as heating, cooking, frying, or drying. In industrial applications, this heat treatment takes place in heat treatment equipment, such as ovens, which include conveyor systems, such as conveyor belts, preferably annular belts, that move individual products through the heat treatment equipment, where they are subjected to heat. In many cases, multiple products are conveyed through the heat treatment equipment side-by-side, in parallel rows, or in any arrangement. To allow individual food items to be heat-treated for a sufficiently long time, the conveyor belts are typically arranged in a vertical spiral configuration. Typically, such heat treatment equipment includes at least two chambers in which different cooking conditions can be set for the products, and these chambers are supplied with air, steam, or water vapor. Both chambers are connected to the conveyor belt, with one chamber having an upwardly extending vertical spiral and the other having a downwardly extending vertical spiral. These conventional ovens require a large space, and the conveyor belts require frequent maintenance. Moreover, conveyor belts used for conveying purposes are highly complex and require a long assembly time. Due to their complexity, conveyor ovens are difficult to clean after the production of individual food items, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Therefore, cleaning traditional conveyor ovens after use typically requires large amounts of water and detergent. Furthermore, traditional conveyor ovens require significant energy during the heat treatment process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for producing individual food items with reduced operating costs and workload.

[0004] The problem is addressed by a production line for producing individual food items from pumpable food material, the production line comprising a heat treatment unit, a cutting unit, and a food material pump for conveying at least one stream of food material through the heat treatment unit to the cutting unit, wherein the cutting unit is located downstream of the heat treatment unit and configured to cut at least one stream of food material leaving the heat treatment unit into individual food items.

[0005] According to the present invention, a food production line for producing a single product includes at least one heat treatment unit, at least one cutting unit, and a food material pump. The food material pump can provide a continuous or semi-continuous flow of pumpable food material, thereby pumping the food material flow through the heat treatment unit. Changing the pump speed allows for altering the residence time of the food material flow within the heat treatment unit. The pump can supply the food material from a grinder, hopper, or filling machine, wherein the pump can then force the food material flow through the heat treatment unit. The heat treatment unit can be used for cooking, heating, drying, etc. Furthermore, the cutting unit is arranged downstream of the heat treatment unit, wherein the cutting unit can cut the food material flow into desired sizes or portions of food.

[0006] The production line of the present invention is advantageous because it requires less space than conventional production lines, while allowing for easier cleaning and maintenance of the heat treatment equipment. Pumping the food material stream through the heat treatment equipment and cutting the given stream into individual food items only after heat treatment allows for simplified conveying through the heat treatment equipment. There is no need for complex conveying structures that would require higher maintenance costs and increased cleaning workload. Therefore, the production line of the present invention allows for reduced downtime and thus increased output. Additionally, the use of water and cleaning agents can be reduced. Moreover, due to the reduced complexity, the production line according to the present invention can be installed more easily and quickly.

[0007] Preferably, a food material pump delivers a stream of food material through the heat treatment equipment via a conveying device. To allow for a controlled residence time of the food material within the heat treatment equipment, the conveying speed of the food material pump can be adjustable.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the production line includes a food material conveying pipe configured to guide a flow of food material through a heat treatment apparatus. The food material conveying pipe, which may be substantially contained within the heat treatment apparatus, may, for example, have a circular cross-sectional area. The food material conveying pipe extends downstream of the heat treatment apparatus from a food material pump, extending beyond the downstream end of the heat treatment apparatus. For example, the food material conveying pipe may extend to a location within a cutting apparatus, preferably to the cutting device of the cutting apparatus. The food material pump can control the residence time of the food material within the food material conveying pipe.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heat treatment apparatus is a solid-state radio frequency (RF) heat treatment apparatus. Here, the terms "radio frequency" and "RF" refer to frequencies in the range of 20 kHz to 300 GHz. Electromagnetic waves in this frequency band are generally capable of generating dielectric heating in food. Preferably, the heat treatment apparatus is configured to operate in a frequency range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz. Electromagnetic radiation in this frequency range is also referred to as microwave radiation. Optionally, preferably, the heat treatment apparatus is configured to operate in a frequency range of 20 kHz to 300 MHz, and particularly, in a frequency range of 10 MHz to 100 MHz. The heat treatment apparatus may include at least one, preferably multiple, solid-state RF sources. Using a solid-state RF heat treatment apparatus allows for reduced energy consumption, reduced clean water consumption, and less space required for the apparatus. Using a solid-state RF heat treatment apparatus eliminates the need for any form of boiler. Food can be conveyed through the heat treatment apparatus via one or more tubes made of a material that is at least partially permeable, preferably transmissive, to RF radiation. The tubes may be made of, for example, plastic materials, preferably food-grade plastic materials. At least one solid-state radio frequency (RF) source may include a solid-state RF transistor, wherein the transistor is preferably arranged within an RF power amplifier. The RF power amplifier is an electronic amplifier that converts low-power RF signals into higher-power signals. The RF power amplifier can drive the transmitter's antenna. The antenna may be arranged in a cavity near or through which the food material conveying pipe passes. Optionally, the antenna may be coupled to and / or located in a waveguide, wherein the antenna can radiate radio waves into the waveguide, which is preferably designed with a reflective material and can guide the radio waves to a desired location. The desired location may be at least one food material conveying pipe. Solid-state RF sources have lower power consumption compared to magnetrons. Heat treatment equipment can be used to heat, cook, dry, sterilize, pasteurize, and / or sterilize food materials conveyed through the heat treatment equipment.

[0010] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the heat treatment apparatus includes a magnetron or a heat carrier, which is heat-conducting oil, steam, or heated air. Food can be conveyed through one or more tubes in the heat treatment apparatus, which are directly or indirectly heated by the heat carrier.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heat treatment apparatus is configured to apply less heat to a first region of the food material flow than to a second region, the first region being arranged near the outer surface of the food material flow, and the second region being arranged further away from the outer surface of the food material flow, for example, at the center of the food material flow. This reduces edge heating of the food material flow and preferably achieves a uniform heat distribution relative to the cross-section of the food material flow.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the production line includes a material flow distributor arranged between a food material pump and a heat treatment unit for dividing a food material flow conveyed by the food material pump into multiple food material flows, wherein the heat treatment unit is configured to allow the multiple food material flows to pass through, and a cutting device is configured to cut the multiple food material flows. The material flow distributor can divide the food material flow leaving the pump into multiple food material flows. Preferably, each of these multiple food material flows is arranged within a food material conveying pipe, which guides the food material flow through the heat treatment unit. More preferably, the material flow distributor can divide the food material flow into two, three, four, five, or more food material flows arranged substantially parallel to each other in the direction of food material flow conveyance. The cutting device is advantageously arranged downstream of the heat treatment unit, wherein the cutting device can simultaneously cut one or more material flows leaving the heat treatment unit. The material flow distributor can allow for the processing of increased quantities of food material in the heat treatment unit, and thus achieve higher food output for the production line.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the food material conveying pipe, particularly as part of a food material pump and / or material flow distributor, is configured to simultaneously guide at least two different food material flows. Therefore, the food material conveying pipe may include a mold element to separate the at least two different food material flows. This allows for the production of multi-colored and / or multi-component foods. Where the food production line includes a material flow distributor, preferably, each outlet food material conveying pipe includes a mold element such that all food material flows can provide multi-colored and / or multi-component foods. The food material conveying pipe may have two different inlets for the food material flows, wherein each inlet can be supplied by a different food material pump. Preferably, the food material conveying pipe includes an inlet portion and a guiding portion, wherein these two portions may include different cross-sections. The inlet portion is advantageously designed as an annular structure, wherein one food material flow is supplied to the inner portion of the annular structure, while another food material flow is supplied to the outer portion of the annular structure. The at least two food material flows may merge within the guiding portion.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the production line includes at least one static mixer element for mixing at least one stream of food materials, wherein the at least one static mixer element is preferably arranged upstream of the heat treatment equipment. The static mixer element allows the food material streams to be mixed during transport. Furthermore, fibers contained within the food material streams can be aligned in a predetermined direction by the static mixer element. This results in more uniform individual food products and a better texture for the food produced by the production line. The static mixer element is advantageous, for example, for applications of the production line in the production of vegetarian foods. The static mixer element can be arranged within the conveyor pipe of the production line, for example, within a conveyor pipe upstream of the heat treatment equipment. The static mixer element can be configured to be removable from the food material conveyor pipe, thereby facilitating reconfiguration and / or cleaning of the food processing line. In cases where the production line includes, for example, multiple parallel conveyor pipes, preferably, each of the conveyor pipes includes a static mixer element, such that all food material streams can be mixed, for example, in parallel. The static mixer element can be configured as part of a food material pump, or part of the heat treatment equipment, or a device connecting the food material pump and the heat treatment equipment, such as part of a material flow distributor. If the static mixer element is configured as part of the heat treatment equipment, it is preferably arranged closer to the inlet of the heat treatment equipment than to the outlet. This allows the static mixer element to be positioned within the food material stream where proteins have not yet coagulated. Preferably, the production line includes a material flow distributor arranged between the food material pump and the heat treatment equipment to divide the food material stream delivered by the pump into multiple food material streams, each preferably located within a food material delivery pipe, and each of these streams includes a static mixer element. This allows for the production of foods with different textures from a single food material, as each food material stream can include different arrangements of the static mixer element. Optionally or additionally, a single static mixer element is arranged between the food pump and the material flow distributor.

[0015] If the food production line includes a material flow distributor, then the heat treatment equipment preferably includes, for example, multiple food material conveying pipes arranged in parallel. The multiple food material conveying pipes may have the same cross-section. Alternatively, the multiple food material conveying pipes may have different cross-sections, thereby enabling the production of individual food items of different widths. Each of the multiple food material conveying pipes may include a static mixer element, whereby the static mixing element may vary for each food material conveying pipe depending on the desired structure of the individual food item to be created.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the production line includes a first cooling device arranged upstream of the heat treatment equipment. Preferably, the first cooling device is configured to cool, in particular freeze, at least a portion of the peripheral surface of at least one stream of food material before it enters the heat treatment equipment. This reduces the negative impact of edge heating in the heat treatment equipment. Preferably, the first cooling device is configured to cool, in particular freeze, the entire peripheral surface of at least one stream of food material, i.e., the entire outer perimeter of the food material stream, before it enters the heat treatment equipment.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the production line includes a second cooling device arranged downstream of the heat treatment equipment and upstream of the cutting equipment. The second cooling device is preferably configured to cool, in particular freeze, at least a portion of the outer surface of at least one stream of food material before it enters the cutting equipment. Preferably, the second cooling device is configured to cool, in particular freeze, the entire outer surface of at least one stream of food material before it enters the cutting equipment, i.e., the entire outer perimeter of the food material stream. Cooling, in particular freezing, at least one thin outer layer of the food material stream before cutting has the advantage of enabling a smoother, cleaner cut and / or reducing the accumulation of food material in the cutting device.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heat treatment apparatus includes at least one forming insert, which is assigned to each of at least one stream of food material, wherein the forming insert is configured to form the profile of the food material stream. Preferably, the food material streams are respectively arranged within food material conveying pipes, wherein the inserts may be arranged at the ends of the food material conveying pipes. Preferably, the forming inserts are at least partially made of a material that is at least partially permeable to radio frequency radiation, more preferably transmissive. The forming inserts may be arranged within the food material conveying pipes, with their opening regions substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the food material streams. Pressure generated by a pump can force the food material streams through the openings of the forming inserts. Advantageously, the openings of the forming inserts may have a specific cross-sectional shape, preferably circular, elliptical, polygonal, or star-shaped, so that the produced food has the shape of the openings of the forming inserts. If a static mixer element is present, it may extend at least partially into the forming inserts. The forming inserts can be manufactured by 3D printing. 3D printing provides the possibility of allowing complex geometries that can achieve improved fit and functionality.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the forming insert is removably attached to the food material conveying pipe. For easy cleaning of the equipment, the forming insert can be easily removed from the heat treatment equipment. Preferably, the forming insert is arranged at a distance from the inlet of the food material conveying pipe of the heat treatment equipment, such that the food material can be heated before entering the forming insert. The forming insert can be arranged to extend to the outlet of the heat treatment equipment. Alternatively, the forming insert can also be arranged at a distance from the outlet of the heat treatment equipment.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the food material pump includes a forming insert, wherein the forming insert is configured to form the profile of the food material flow.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one forming insert is arranged downstream of the food material pump and upstream of the heat treatment equipment, wherein the forming insert is assigned to each of at least one food material stream, and wherein the forming insert is configured to form the profile of the respective food material stream.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heat treatment apparatus includes at least one cutting insert distributed to each of at least one food material stream, wherein the insert is configured to cut the respective food material stream in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the food material stream. The cutting insert may include one or more blade-like elements located within the food material stream, wherein the blade-like elements are preferably arranged substantially parallel to the conveying direction of the food material stream. The cutting insert is preferably disposed within the food material stream and located within the heat treatment apparatus, or between the heat treatment apparatus and a cutting device, or within a first cooling device or a second cooling device, or before the position of a cutting blade or cutting line within the cutting device. Preferably, the cutting insert is made at least partially of a material that is at least partially permeable to radio frequency radiation, more preferably transmissive. The cutting insert enables the food material stream to be cut into slices, strips, or cubes, etc. Preferably, multiple food material streams may include different cutting inserts to simultaneously produce food of different shapes.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the food material pump includes a cutting insert, wherein the cutting insert is configured to cut the food material flow in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the food material flow.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one cutting insert is arranged downstream of the food material pump and upstream of the heat treatment equipment, wherein the cutting insert is assigned to each of at least one food material stream, and wherein the cutting insert is configured to cut the respective food material stream in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the respective food material stream.

[0025] Products with natural shapes can be produced using a production line embodiment that includes a food material pump, heat treatment equipment, cutting equipment, and freezing equipment. The cutting insert can be located in the end region of the heat treatment equipment or inside the cutting equipment, immediately before the cutting device. For example, a product with a smooth texture, such as ham chunks, can be produced using a production line embodiment that includes a food material pump, heat treatment equipment, cooling equipment, cutting equipment, and freezing equipment. The cutting insert will be located near the outlet of the cooling equipment or inside the cutting equipment, immediately before the cutting device.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heat treatment apparatus includes at least one forming-cutting insert configured to cut a corresponding food material stream in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the food material stream while forming at least one stream of food material. This embodiment allows for the production of structured individual products, such as products with flakes, herringbone shapes, or other desired appearances. The forming-cutting insert may include multiple openings, such that the food material stream is forced to pass through the multiple openings in parallel. After passing through the forming-cutting insert, the food material can be partially recombine to obtain a structured food product. The forming-cutting insert can be manufactured using 3D printing. 3D printing offers the possibility of realizing complex geometries that enable improved fit and functionality.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the food material pump includes a forming-cutting insert configured to cut a corresponding food material flow in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the food material flow while forming the outline of at least one food material flow.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one forming-cutting insert is arranged downstream of the food material pump and upstream of the heat treatment equipment, wherein the forming-cutting insert is assigned to each of at least one food material stream, and wherein the forming-cutting insert is configured to form the profile of the respective food material stream at approximately the same time and cut the respective food material stream in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the food material stream.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the forming insert and / or cutting insert are arranged between the food material pump and the heat treatment equipment, and preferably downstream of the static mixer, more preferably directly after the static mixer. When the static mixer is not used, the forming insert is preferably arranged inside the food material pump, or between the food material pump and the heat treatment equipment, or near the inlet of the heat treatment equipment where the corresponding food material has not yet solidified. Optionally, the forming insert and / or cutting insert are arranged between the heat treatment equipment and the cutting equipment. Typically, the forming insert is preferably arranged upstream of the cutting insert.

[0030] In food production lines that include forming inserts and / or forming-cutting inserts, the food production line preferably includes a retaining insert disposed downstream of the respective forming or forming-cutting insert. The retaining insert can improve the guidance of food material flow, particularly solidified food material flow, after exiting the respective forming or forming-cutting insert. The retaining insert can be arranged to contact the respective forming or forming-cutting insert. The retaining insert can extend into the cutting equipment, particularly into the cutting device of the cutting equipment. The retaining insert can include an opening for the food material flow having a shape similar to that of the respective forming or forming-cutting insert. For example, the opening of the retaining insert can be slightly larger than the opening of the respective forming or forming-cutting insert, so that the food material flow exiting the respective forming or forming-cutting insert can face less resistance during flow.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cutting device includes cutting blades or cutting lines. The cutting device may include one or more cutting blades or cutting lines for cutting one or more streams of food material, whereby, preferably, each cutting blade or cutting line is individually controlled and configured to cut the stream of food material leaving the heat treatment equipment into individual food items. This advantageously allows for different simultaneous portioning of multiple streams of food material. If multiple streams of food material are present, such an embodiment allows for the production of individual products from a first stream of food material having a different thickness than the product from a second stream of food material. For example, such an embodiment allows for the convenient production of various snack product shapes with different thicknesses. The cutting device is arranged downstream of the heat treatment equipment, and the cutting blades or cutting lines are preferably configured to cut the food material stream in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the food material stream.

[0032] In food production lines that include cutting inserts, it is preferable that the cutting equipment includes cutting blades or cutting lines configured to vary their speed as they cut the food material stream to separate individual food items. This allows for the production of individual food items of varying lengths, such as slices, strips, or cubes of different lengths. For example, the cutting blades or lines can cut a first portion of the food material stream at a first speed and reduce their speed as they cut the remaining portion. Therefore, the product obtained from the first portion will have a shorter length than the individual product obtained from the remaining portion of the food material stream.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the food production line includes an online temperature measuring device configured to measure the external temperature of at least one stream of food material, but more preferably, the core temperature. Preferably, the food production line includes an infrared (IR) camera arranged to detect the core temperature and / or core temperature distribution at the end face of the food material stream before, during, or after a single product has been separated from the food material stream by a cutting device. Optionally, the online temperature measuring device may include a temperature probe or means for determining the dielectric properties of the food material stream, such as the relative permittivity of the food material stream. Preferably, the online temperature measuring device is located on a centerline parallel to the direction of the food material stream. In another embodiment, the temperature measuring device is arranged at an angle relative to the direction of the food material stream.

[0034] Preferably, the food production line is configured to control the operation of the food material pumps based on a determined core temperature and / or core temperature distribution. For example, the conveying speed of the food material flow can be adjusted to achieve a predetermined target core temperature and / or a predetermined target core distribution. Preferably, the food production line is configured to control the operation of heat treatment equipment or food material pumps based on a determined core temperature and / or core temperature distribution. For example, the energy output of the heat treatment equipment can be adjusted to achieve a predetermined target core temperature and / or a predetermined target core distribution.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the production line includes a coating device for coating individual food items, which is arranged downstream of a cutting device. Preferably, the individual food items cut by the cutting device fall onto a conveyor belt, which transports the individual food items to the coating device.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the production line includes a frying device for frying individual food items, arranged downstream of the cutting device and, where applicable, downstream of the coating device. The coated individual food items are preferably conveyed to the frying device via a conveyor belt, whereby the conveyor belt comprises a mesh or grid-like structure. Therefore, any coating material detached from the individual food item can pass through the mesh or grid-like structure. The coating material can be reused or removed from the production line.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the production line includes a freezing device for freezing individual food items, which is arranged downstream of the cutting device. The freezing device can freeze individual food items, which then pass through the freezing device via a conveyor belt. The freezing device can also be arranged downstream of the frying device. Therefore, finished individual products can be frozen to improve the shelf life of the individual food items.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the freezing equipment flash-freezes individual food items. This advantageously allows the preservation of the appearance, vitamins, minerals, and flavor of the individual food items.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the production line includes packaging equipment for packaging individual food items, which is arranged downstream of the cutting equipment. Individual food items may be portioned, counted, or weighed before being filled into or within packages for individual food items, wherein the packaging equipment subsequently airtightly seals the portioned, counted, or weighed individual food items. Preferably, the packaging equipment is arranged downstream of the freezing equipment.

[0040] In the following, a preferred embodiment of a food production line including a processing station downstream of the cutting equipment is described.

[0041] In Example A, the food production line includes: a wet coating device downstream of the cutting device; a dry coating device downstream of the wet coating device; a frying device downstream of the dry coating device; a freezing device downstream of the frying device; and a packaging device downstream of the freezing device. The food production line according to Example A is suitable for producing coated vegan, vegetarian, meat, cheese, or mixed products in the form of hamburgers, strips, fried cutlets, chunks, or chicken nuggets.

[0042] In Example B, the food production line includes: a pre-coating device downstream of the cutting device; a first wet coating device downstream of the pre-coating device; a dry coating device downstream of the first wet coating device; a second wet coating device downstream of the dry coating device; a frying device downstream of the second wet coating device; a freezing device downstream of the frying device; and a packaging device downstream of the freezing device. The food production line according to Example B is used to produce coated vegan, vegetarian, meat, cheese, or mixed products in the form of hamburgers, strips, fried cutlets, chunks, or chicken nuggets.

[0043] In Example C, the food production line includes: a frying device downstream of the cutting device; a freezing device downstream of the frying device; and a packaging device downstream of the freezing device. The food production line according to Example C is used to produce coated vegan, vegetarian, meat, cheese, or mixed products in the form of hamburgers, strips, fried cutlets, chunks, or chicken nuggets.

[0044] In Example D, the food production line includes: grilling and / or smoking equipment downstream of the cutting equipment; freezing equipment downstream of the frying equipment; and packaging equipment downstream of the freezing equipment. The food production line according to Example D is suitable for producing grilled and / or smoked vegan, vegetarian, meat, cheese, or mixed products in the form of strips, cubes, sausages, or hamburgers.

[0045] In Example E, the food production line includes: a pre-coating device downstream of the cutting device; a wet coating device downstream of the pre-coating device; a dry coating device downstream of the wet coating device; a frying device downstream of the dry coating device; a freezing device downstream of the frying device; and a packaging device downstream of the freezing device. The food production line according to Example E is suitable for producing coated vegan, vegetarian, meat, cheese, or mixed products in the form of hamburgers, strips, fried cutlets, chunks, or chicken nuggets.

[0046] In Example F, the food production line includes: a freezing device downstream of the cutting device; and a packaging device downstream of the freezing device. The food production line according to Example F is suitable for producing coated vegan, vegetarian, meat, cheese, or mixed products in the form of hamburgers, strips, fried cutlets, chunks, or chicken nuggets.

[0047] In Example G, the food production line includes: a wet coating device downstream of the cutting device; a dry coating device downstream of the wet coating device; a freezing device downstream of the dry coating device; and a packaging device downstream of the freezing device. The food production line according to Example G is suitable for producing coated vegan, vegetarian, meat, cheese, or mixed products in the form of hamburgers, strips, fried cutlets, chunks, or chicken nuggets.

[0048] In Example H, the food production line includes: a first wet coating device downstream of the cutting device; a pre-coating device downstream of the first wet coating device; a second wet coating device downstream of the pre-coating device; a dry coating device downstream of the second wet coating device; a frying device downstream of the dry coating device; a freezing device downstream of the frying device; and a packaging device downstream of the freezing device. The food production line according to Example H is suitable for producing coated vegan, vegetarian, meat, cheese, or mixed products in the form of hamburgers, strips, fried cutlets, chunks, or chicken nuggets.

[0049] Another aspect of the invention is a method for producing individual food items from pumpable food material, wherein a food material pump pumps a stream of food material through downstream heat treatment equipment to a cutting device, wherein the cutting device cuts the food material stream into individual food items.

[0050] The same advantages and technical effects described regarding the production line according to the invention can be achieved by the method for producing individual food items. The preferred embodiments and features described regarding the production line according to the invention can also be applied, alone or in combination, to the method for producing individual food items according to the invention.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pumpable food material includes chicken, and the individual food item is chicken nuggets. The chicken nuggets can be formed by cutting using a cutting device and optional forming inserts. After being cut by the cutting device, the chicken nuggets can be coated in a coating device and then fried in a frying device. Preferably, the fried nuggets are frozen in a freezing device and then packaged by a packaging device.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pumpable food material is vegan or vegetarian, and the individual food items are either vegan blocks or vegetarian blocks.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in a cleaning step following the production of a single food item, the food material pump and heat treatment equipment are flushed with a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is preferably a mixture of water and detergent. If any forming or cutting inserts are used in the production steps, they can be removed before the cleaning step and cleaned in a separate cleaning step. During the cleaning step, the food material pump and / or heat treatment equipment can be turned on to allow for better cleaning. Any rotating parts within the food material pump can be cleaned more efficiently. Turning on the heat treatment equipment allows the cleaning fluid to be heated, thereby allowing for better cleaning. If the production line includes material flow distributors and / or food material conveying pipes, these can also be flushed with the cleaning fluid. Attached Figure Description

[0054] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and will be illustrated with reference to the embodiments described below.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the production line according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a material flow distributor; Figure 3 These are schematic front and side views of different embodiments of a food material conveying pipe with a cutting insert; Figure 4 Cross-sectional views of different embodiments of a food material conveying pipe with a static mixer; Figure 5 These are front views of different embodiments of a food material conveying pipe with a shaped insert; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a production line that includes further processing steps for individual food items; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of multi-color products and / or multi-component products obtained through an embodiment of the production line according to the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a forming-cut insert; Figure 9aThis is a schematic diagram of the first arrangement of the cutting equipment and the online temperature measurement equipment; Figure 9b This is a schematic diagram showing the optional arrangement of the cutting equipment and the online temperature measurement equipment; Figure 10a This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the production line according to the present invention; Figure 10b This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the production line according to the present invention; Figure 11a This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the production line according to the present invention; Figure 11b This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the production line according to the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a material flow distributor. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a production line 1 according to the present invention is shown. Production line 1 is used to produce individual food items 2' from pumpable food material. For this purpose, production line 1 includes a heat treatment unit 5, a cutting device 7, and a food material pump 3. The food material pump 3 is capable of conveying the pumpable food material 2 through the heat treatment unit 5 to the cutting device 7. Furthermore, the cutting device 7 is configured to cut the food material flow 2 leaving the heat treatment unit 5 into individual food items 2'. Preferably, the cutting device 7 has cutting blades or cutting lines 12 for cutting the food material flow 2, wherein the blades or lines are arranged to be movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the food material flow 2.

[0057] This embodiment illustrates a heat treatment apparatus 5, wherein the heat treatment apparatus 5 is preferably a solid-state radio frequency (RF) heat treatment apparatus. The heat treatment apparatus 5 may include one or more solid-state RF sources that emit radio waves. In this case, the solid-state RF source is more preferably combined with an antenna. Electromagnetic radiation is directed to the food material flow 2 via the antenna, allowing the food material to be cooked, heated, dried, or pasteurized, etc. Using a solid-state RF source instead of a magnetron is advantageous because it allows for improved power control and better feedback possibilities. Using a solid-state RF heat treatment apparatus 5 further allows for reduced energy consumption, reduced cleaning water consumption, and less space required for the apparatus. To convey the food material flow 2 through the heat treatment apparatus 5, the production line 1 and / or the heat treatment apparatus 5 includes at least one food material conveying pipe 6. Figure 1 In the process, the food material conveying pipe 6 extends from the upstream of the heat treatment equipment 5 to the downstream of the heat treatment equipment 5, thereby starting from the food material pump 3 and ending at the cutting equipment 7.

[0058] Optionally, multiple solid-state radio frequency sources within the heat treatment equipment can be arranged equidistantly around the outer periphery of the food material conveying pipe 6 to uniformly irradiate the food material flow 2 within the food material conveying pipe 6. The antenna and / or solid-state radio frequency sources are preferably arranged substantially along the food material conveying pipe 6, and more preferably parallel to the pipe 6.

[0059] like Figure 1 The food material pump 3 shown may include a grinder, hopper, or filling machine to supply pumpable food materials. Because the pump 3 applies pressure to the food material flow 2, so that the material is pumped through the heat treatment equipment 5 and to the cutting equipment 7, the food material pump 3 can achieve a continuous or semi-continuous food material flow 2. Before entering the food material pump 3, the food may be processed into pumpable food material by a grinder.

[0060] At the end of the heat treatment process in heat treatment equipment 5, the entire cross-section of the food material flow 2 must be cooked to the appropriate minimum internal temperature to ensure food safety. These temperatures (74°C for poultry) ensure that harmful bacteria are killed, making the food safe to eat.

[0061] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a material flow distributor 4 is shown, wherein the material flow distributor 4 can be used to divide a single stream of food material 2 into multiple streams of food material 2. Preferably, a heat treatment device 5 is configured to allow the multiple streams of food material 2 to pass through, and more preferably, a cutting device 7 is also configured to cut the multiple streams of food material 2. Figure 2The diagram shows a material flow distributor 4, which has an inlet for food material flow 2 fed through food material conveying pipes 6, and multiple outlets for multiple streams of food material 2 discharged through multiple food material conveying pipes 6, in this case, five conveying pipes 6. The food material conveying pipes 6 for the outlets of the material flow distributor 4 can be arranged substantially parallel. This is visible in the front cross-sectional view of the material flow distributor 4. It is particularly desirable that the material flow distributor 4 is arranged between the food material pump 3 and the heat treatment equipment 5. Furthermore, as shown in the front view of the multiple food material conveying pipes 6, it is desirable that they have a circular cross-sectional area. This may make cleaning easier, as residues from the food material flow 2 will not get stuck in edges or corners that are more difficult to clean. However, the form of the food material flow 2 is primarily influenced by the form of the food material conveying pipes 6, and therefore the cross-sectional area of ​​the food material conveying pipes 6 can also be polygonal, elliptical, or any other desired shape to influence the contour of individual food items 2. The heat treatment apparatus 5 is preferably configured to include a plurality of food material conveying pipes 6, thereby the heat treatment apparatus 5 may also partially or completely include a material flow distributor 4. The food material conveying pipes 6 and / or the material flow distributor 4 may be made at least partially of a material that is at least partially transmissible to radio frequency radiation, preferably transmissive. The pipes 6 may, for example, be made of plastic material, preferably food-grade plastic material. If the material flow distributor 4 is located upstream of the heat treatment apparatus 5, then the material flow distributor 4 may be made of any material that best suits the manufacturing cost, hygiene, and stability of the material flow distributor 4.

[0062] exist Figure 3 The diagram illustrates several schematic embodiments of a food material conveying pipe 6. The food material conveying pipe 6 can be understood as part of the heat treatment apparatus 5, as it is preferably located substantially within the heat treatment apparatus 5. The food material conveying pipe 6 may extend beyond the heat treatment apparatus 5 in the upstream and / or downstream direction of the food material flow 2, more preferably extending from the food material pump 3 to the cutting device 7.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, it is desirable to have cutting inserts 61 arranged within the food material conveying pipe 6. These cutting inserts 61 may be blades or wires or any blade-shaped or wire-shaped structure arranged within the food material flow 2 of the given food material conveying pipe 6. The cutting inserts 61 are preferably reversibly attached to the food material conveying pipe 6, meaning that they can be removed from the conveying pipe 6 for cleaning.

[0064] Advantageously, the cutting insert 61 allows a given food material to be formed into cubes, strips, or slices. Preferably, the cutting insert 61 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the food material flow 2. The cutting insert 61 may include at least one blade or wire or any blade-shaped or wire-shaped structure 12 arranged inside, thereby... Figure 3 Embodiments comprising two to four blades are shown. The multiple blades within the cutting insert 61 are arranged in particular parallel and / or perpendicular to each other.

[0065] exist Figure 3 a and Figure 3 Figure b shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the food material conveying pipe 6, which has a circular or rectangular cross-section and includes a cutting insert 61. The cutting insert 61 includes a blade oriented parallel to the conveying direction of the food material flow to form a strip of food material. For reference, Figure 3 c illustrates an embodiment of a food material conveying pipe 6 with a circular or rectangular cross-section without a cut insert. Figure 3 d shows according to Figure 3 A side view of the food material conveying pipe 6, showing the arrangement of the cutting insert 61.

[0066] The cutting insert 61 is preferably arranged in the end region of the heat treatment equipment 5 or downstream of the heat treatment equipment 5. Preferably, the cutting insert 61 is arranged close to the cutting device 7, or in the cooling / freezing equipment 25, or in the cutting device 7 immediately before the cutting device 12.

[0067] Products with natural shapes can be produced via a production line including a food material pump 3, a heat treatment device 5, a cutting device 7, and a freezing device 10. The cutting insert 61 will be located in the end region of the heat treatment device 5 or in the cutting device 7 immediately before the cutting device 12.

[0068] For example, ham chunks with a smooth texture can be produced using a production line that includes a food material pump 3, a heat treatment device 5, a cooling / freezing device 25, a cutting device 7, and a freezing device 10. The cutting insert 61 will be located near the outlet of the cooling / freezing device 25 or inside the cutting device 7, immediately before the cutting device 12.

[0069] Figure 4Illustration ac shows three different embodiments of a food material conveying pipe 6 having a static mixer element 62. The static mixer element 62 may be provided as an attachment to or optional of the cutting insert 61. However, the static mixer element 62 is preferably arranged upstream of the cutting insert 61. Preferably, the static mixer element 62 is arranged upstream of the heat treatment equipment, for example as part of a material flow distributor 4, or as part of the heat treatment equipment on the inlet side, referring to the location inside the heat treatment equipment where the corresponding food material has not yet solidified.

[0070] The static mixer 62 can be used as a torsion device, causing the fibers within the food material stream 2 to be oriented to improve the texture of the final product. The production line 1 may include at least one static mixer element 62, whereby, if the production line 1 has a material flow distributor 4, the static mixer element 62 can be arranged upstream of the material flow distributor 4 and / or within each of the multiple food material streams 2, preferably within the food material conveying pipe 6 exiting the material flow distributor 4. If the static mixer element 62 is arranged upstream of the material flow distributor 4, the aligned fibers within the food material stream 2 may become disordered again due to the distribution of the food material stream 2 within the material flow distributor 4. Therefore, the static mixer 4 within the multiple food material streams 2 can again be used for fiber orientation.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, the static mixer element 62 may include a twisted structure that allows for the mixing and / or alignment of the food material stream 2 and / or the fibers of the food material. The static mixer 62 may be located upstream of the heat treatment unit 5, preferably between the food material pump 3 and the heat treatment unit 5, or between the material flow distributor 4 and the heat treatment unit 5 if the production line 1 includes a material flow distributor 4. Aligning the fibers within the food material stream 2 before heat treatment by the heat treatment unit 5 can be advantageous. Any dried, heated, or cooked food material stream 2 may be more difficult to align by the static mixer element 62.

[0072] Figure 5Cross-sectional views of different embodiments of the forming insert 63 with different openings 63' in the food material conveying pipe 6 are shown. The forming insert may be included in the heat treatment equipment 5 or the food material conveying pipe 6 and is configured to form the profile of the food material flow 2. The forming insert 63 is preferably arranged inside the heat treatment equipment 5, more preferably at a distance from the inlet of the food conveying pipe 6 of the heat treatment equipment 5. The opening 63' of the forming insert 63 can be shaped in a desired manner so that the profile of the food material flow 2 is shaped according to the shape of the opening 63'. The opening 63' can be circular, elliptical, polygonal, star-shaped, or any other shape. It is the food material pump 3 that can apply pressure to the food material flow 2, and then this pressure forces the food material flow 2 through the forming insert 63 and allows the food material flow 2 to be shaped according to the opening 63' of the forming insert 63. The opening region of the forming insert 63 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the food material flow 2.

[0073] The forming insert 63 is arranged between the food material pump and the heat treatment equipment, and preferably downstream of the static mixer 62, more preferably directly after the static mixer but before the cutting equipment 7. In the absence of the static mixer 62, the forming insert 63 is arranged inside the food material pump (3), or between the food material pump and the heat treatment equipment (5), or near the inlet of the heat treatment equipment where the corresponding food material has not yet solidified. The forming insert 63 can be removably attached to the food material delivery pipe 6, thereby allowing for better cleaning. Furthermore, the forming insert 63 can extend substantially parallel to the delivery direction of the food material flow. The length of the forming insert 63 in the delivery direction of the food material flow can range from 50 to 200 cm. Depending on the density of the pumpable food material, the forming insert 63 may need to be longer to allow the pumpable food material to form into the desired shape while being cooked and / or solidified.

[0074] Figure 6An embodiment of production line 1 is shown, wherein production line 1 includes at least one coating device 8, a frying device 9, a freezing device 10, and a packaging device 11. Preferably, the coating device 8, frying device 9, freezing device 10, and packaging device 11 can all be arranged downstream of the cutting device 7. Food 2' can only be further processed by the coating device 8, frying device 9, freezing device 10, and / or packaging device 11 after individual food items 2' have been cut. If production line 1 includes a coating device 8, then the frying device 9 is located downstream of the coating device 8. The freezing device 10 can then be arranged downstream of the frying device 9. The packaging device 11 can then be arranged downstream of the freezing device 10. Each processing step of an individual food item 2'—coating, frying, freezing, and packaging—is arranged in this order, wherein one or more of these further processing steps can be omitted, but the order of the steps remains unchanged. The different devices 8, 9, 10, and 11 can be connected via conveyor belts, thereby allowing individual food items to be transported from one device to another.

[0075] Methodologically, individual food items 2' must first be produced before further processing can proceed. The food material can initially be prepared using a grinder or similar equipment. Preferably, the food material includes chicken. The pumpable food material is pumped as a food material stream 2 through a downstream heat treatment unit 5 via a food material pump 3. Subsequently, a cutting device 7, arranged downstream of the heat treatment unit 5, is configured to cut the food material stream 2 into individual food items 2'. These individual food items 2' can then be further processed, such as coated, fried, frozen, and then packaged. It is conceivable that further processing may only include freezing and packaging, or frying, freezing, and packaging. The final product may be chicken nuggets.

[0076] After the production of a single food item 2', a cleaning step can be initiated within production line 1. In particular, the food material pump 3, heat treatment equipment 5, and preferably the food material conveying pipe 6 are rinsed with a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid can be a mixture of water and detergent. Any other equipment 8, 9, 10, 11, forming insert 63, cutting insert 61, and static mixer 62 can be cleaned in separate steps.

[0077] Figure 7 Examples of multi-colored and / or multi-component products obtained by means of an embodiment of the production line according to the invention are shown. The production line according to this embodiment includes food material conveying pipes with molds, such that two different food material streams can be combined to form the final product. In the case where the food production line includes a material flow distributor, preferably, the food material conveying pipes on the outlet side each include a mold element, such that all food material streams can provide multi-colored and / or multi-component food products.

[0078] Figure 8A forming-cutting insert 64, which can be included in a heat treatment apparatus 5, is shown for producing individual food items with a herringbone structure. The forming-cutting insert 64 is configured to cut the food material flow in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the food material flow while forming the flow. The forming-cutting insert 64 includes a plurality of openings 65, such that the food material flow is forced to pass through the plurality of openings in parallel. When the insert is located within the heat treatment apparatus 5 and the heat treatment apparatus 5 is heated by microwaves, the forming-cutting insert 64 can be configured to be transmissive to radio frequency radiation.

[0079] Figure 9a The preferred location of the online temperature measuring device 30 is shown, which is located on the same centerline as the direction of food material flow. Figure 9b Another embodiment is shown, in which the temperature measuring device is arranged at an angle relative to the direction of the food material flow.

[0080] Figure 10a and Figure 10b An embodiment of the production line according to the invention is shown, wherein a cooling device 25 is arranged downstream of the heat treatment device 5 and upstream of the cutting device 7. Here, the outer periphery of the extruded food material stream 2 is cooled, in particular frozen, by the cooling device 25 to a certain thickness, so that a relatively thin cooled, in particular frozen layer is obtained at the outer periphery of the food material stream. At the end of the extrusion process, when the extruded food material stream is cut in the cutting device 7, the cooler, thinner outer layer is advantageous, and a smoother, cleaner cut can be achieved, and less food material will accumulate in the cutting device 12.

[0081] Cooling further downstream in the production line is also advantageous. In the case of food coating, the coating material will adhere better to the outer surface of the food. In the case of frying, the improved adhesion of the coating material to the food will result in fewer floating particles and less particulate debris in the fryer, which will extend the life of the frying oil.

[0082] according to Figure 10a and Figure 10b The cooling device 25 surrounds the food material conveying pipe 6, which extends from the food material pump 3, through the heat treatment device 5, through the cooling device 25, and to the cutting device 7. The food material flow 2 is cooled, particularly frozen, during its conveying through the cooling device 25, which preferably comprises a circulating heat transfer medium. Figure 10a An embodiment with a single food material flow layout is shown, while Figure 10b The layout of a multi-stream food material flow including a material flow distributor 4 upstream of the heat treatment equipment 5 is shown.

[0083] Figure 11a and Figure 11bAn embodiment of production line 1 is shown, wherein a cooling device 20 is arranged upstream of a heat treatment device 5. The cooling device 20 is used to cool, particularly freeze, the outer periphery of the food material flow 2 beyond a certain thickness before it enters the heat treatment device 5. The cooling device 20 allows a relatively thin cooled or frozen layer to be obtained at the outer periphery of the food material flow. This layer minimizes the negative effects of edge heating. To reduce edge heating at certain portions of the outer periphery of the food material flow, the cooling device 20 can be configured such that only a limited portion of the surface of the food material flow is cooled, particularly frozen, rather than the entire surface. By selecting which portions of the outer periphery will be sealed off from cooling, particularly freezing, and which portions will not be sealed off from cooling, particularly freezing, the negative effects of edge heating at certain portions of the outer periphery of the food material flow can be reduced.

[0084] Figure 11a An embodiment of a production line according to the invention is shown, wherein a cutting device is not shown. According to this embodiment, a stream of food material is conveyed by a food material pump 3 through a heat treatment apparatus 5 to a cutting device (not shown). A cooling device 20 is arranged upstream of the heat treatment apparatus 5 and surrounds the food material conveying pipe 6. The cooling device 20 may be arranged over at least a portion of the length of the food material pipe 6. Optionally, the cooling device 20 may span the entire length of the food material pipe 6.

[0085] Figure 11b An embodiment of the production line according to the invention is shown, wherein the cutting equipment is not shown. The cooling device 20 is arranged upstream of the heat treatment device 5 and surrounds at least a portion of the length of the material flow distributor 4, such that multiple streams of food material (2) are cooled by the cooling device 20.

[0086] Another way to reduce the impact of edge heating is to apply more or less energy to certain parts of the outer periphery of the food material flow 2 through the heat treatment device 5 in order to obtain a uniform heat distribution on the food material flow 2. When heating is performed using solid-state radio frequency energy, the microwave distribution on certain parts of the outer periphery of the food material flow can be set by the control unit.

[0087] Figure 12 Another schematic diagram of an embodiment of the material flow distributor 4 is shown, wherein the material flow distributor 4 can be used to divide a single stream of food material 2 into multiple streams of food material 2. Preferably, the heat treatment device 5 is configured to allow the multiple streams of food material 2 to pass through, and more preferably, the cutting device 7 is also configured to cut the multiple streams of food material 2. Figure 12 The diagram shows a material flow distributor 4, which has an inlet for food material flow 2 via a food material conveying pipe 6, and multiple outlets for multiple streams of food material 2 via multiple food material conveying pipes 6, in this case, five conveying pipes 6.

[0088] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1-Production Line 2-Food Material Flow 2' - Single food item 3-Food Material Pump 4-Stream Distributor 5-Heat Treatment Equipment 6-Food material conveying pipe 7-Cutting equipment 8-Coating Equipment 9-Frying equipment 10-Refrigeration Equipment 11-Packaging Equipment 12-Cutting device / cutting blade / cutting wire 20-Cooling equipment upstream of heat treatment equipment 5 25-Cooling equipment downstream of heat treatment equipment 5 30 - Online Temperature Measurement Equipment 61-Cut Insert 62-Static Mixer Components 63-Formed Insert 63'-opening 64-Shaping-Cutting Insert 65-Opening

Claims

1. A production line (1) for producing individual food items (2') from pumpable food materials, comprising a heat treatment device (5), a cutting device (7), and a food material pump (3), said food material pump being used to convey at least one stream of food material (2) through the heat treatment device (5) to the cutting device (7), wherein, The cutting device (7) is arranged downstream of the heat treatment device (5) and is configured to cut the at least one stream of food material (2) leaving the heat treatment device (5) into individual food items (2').

2. The production line (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The production line (1) includes a food material conveying pipe (6) configured to guide the flow of food material (2) through the heat treatment equipment (5).

3. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heat treatment equipment (5) is a solid-state radio frequency heat treatment equipment.

4. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heat treatment device (5) is configured to apply less heat to a first region of the food material flow (2) than to a second region, the first region being arranged near the outer surface of the food material flow (2) and the second region being arranged further away from the outer surface of the food material flow (2).

5. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The production line (1) includes a material flow distributor (4) arranged between the food material pump (3) and the heat treatment equipment (5) for dividing the food material flow (2) conveyed by the food material pump (3) into multiple food material flows (2), wherein the heat treatment equipment (5) is configured to allow the multiple food material flows (2) to pass through, and the cutting equipment (7) is configured to cut the multiple food material flows (2).

6. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The production line (1) includes at least one static mixer element (62) for mixing the at least one stream of food materials (2).

7. The production line (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one static mixer element (62) is arranged upstream of the heat treatment equipment (5).

8. The production line (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least one static mixer element (62) is configured as part of the heat treatment apparatus (5), and the static mixer element (62) is arranged closer to the inlet of the heat treatment apparatus (5) than the outlet of the heat treatment apparatus (5).

9. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The food material conveying pipe (6) is configured to simultaneously guide at least two different food material flows (2).

10. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The production line (1) includes a first cooling device (20) which is arranged upstream of the heat treatment device (5).

11. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The production line (1) includes a second cooling device (25) arranged downstream of the heat treatment device (5) and upstream of the cutting device (7).

12. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heat treatment apparatus (5) includes at least one forming insert (63) which is assigned to each of at least one stream of food material (2), wherein the insert (63) is configured to form the outline of the food material stream (2).

13. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The food material pump (3) includes a forming insert (63) configured to form the profile of the food material flow (2).

14. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one forming insert (63) is disposed downstream of the food material pump (3) and upstream of the heat treatment equipment (5), wherein the forming insert (63) is assigned to each of the at least one food material stream (2), wherein the forming insert (63) is configured to form the profile of the corresponding food material stream (2).

15. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heat treatment device (5), the first or second cooling device (20, 25) or the cutting device (7) includes at least one cutting insert (61) which is assigned to each of the at least one food material stream (2), wherein the insert (61) is configured to cut the corresponding food material stream (2) in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the food material stream (2).

16. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The food material pump (3) includes a cutting insert (61) configured to cut the food material flow (2) in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the food material flow (2).

17. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one cutting insert (61) is arranged downstream of the food material pump (3) and upstream of the heat treatment equipment (5), wherein the cutting insert (61) is assigned to each of the at least one food material stream (2), wherein the cutting insert (61) is configured to cut the respective food material stream (2) in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the food material stream (2).

18. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The heat treatment equipment (5) includes at least one forming-cutting insert (64) configured to cut a corresponding food material stream (2) in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the food material stream (2) while forming at least one food material stream (2).

19. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The food material pump (3) includes a forming-cutting insert (64) configured to cut a corresponding food material flow (2) in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the food material flow (2) while forming the outline of at least one food material flow (2).

20. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one forming-cutting insert (64) is disposed downstream of the food material pump (3) and upstream of the heat treatment equipment (5), wherein the forming-cutting insert (64) is assigned to each of the at least one food material stream (2), wherein the forming-cutting insert (64) is configured to cut the respective food material stream (2) in a direction parallel to the conveying direction of the food material stream while forming the profile of the respective food material stream (2).

21. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The cutting device (7) includes a cutting blade or a cutting wire (12).

22. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The food production line (1) includes an online temperature measuring device (30) configured to measure the core temperature of at least one stream of food material (2).

23. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The production line (1) includes a coating device (8) for coating the individual food items (2'), which is located downstream of the cutting device (7).

24. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The production line (1) includes a frying device (9) for frying individual food items (2'), which is arranged downstream of the cutting device (7) and, where applicable, downstream of the coating device (8).

25. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The production line (1) includes a freezing device (10) for freezing the individual food items (2') and is located downstream of the cutting device (7).

26. The production line (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The production line (1) includes packaging equipment (11) for packaging the individual food items (2') and is arranged downstream of the cutting equipment (7).

27. A method for producing individual food items (2') from pumpable food materials, wherein, The food material pump (3) pumps the food material stream (2) through the downstream heat treatment equipment (5) to the cutting equipment (7), wherein the cutting equipment (7) cuts the food material stream (2) into individual food items (2').

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The pumpable food material includes chicken, and the individual food item is a chicken nugget.

29. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The pumpable food material is vegan or vegetarian, and the individual food items (2') are either vegan or vegetarian blocks.

30. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 29, characterized in that, In the cleaning step following the production of the individual food (2'), the food material pump (3) and the heat treatment equipment (5) are rinsed with cleaning fluid.

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