• MEAT & POULTRY
• RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
• Stainless Steel Flake Ice Makers
• Modular Stainless Steel Ice Storage Systems
• Ice Delivery Systems
• Case Ice Dispensers

North Star Solutions for the Seafood Industry

North Star ice equipment has been installed in meat and poultry plants, large and small, throughout the United States and in many other parts of the world. In poultry processing plants, North Star flake ice is used to remove heat from poultry after slaughter and dressing, to maintain cool temperatures of cut parts through all stages of processing, for case icing of fresh product prior to shipping, and for top icing shipping containers in trucks and rail cars.

In meat processing, ice is used primarily during the production of various types of sausage, hot dogs and other processed meats. Ice is added during the mixing process to absorb the heat generated during blending, as well as to provide moisture, which adds to the quality of the product.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR MEAT & POULTRY PROCESSORS

In all meat and poultry applications, flake ice provides a significant advantage over other types of ice. In poultry processing, where it is important to remove heat as quickly as possible to preserve product quality, thin, flat flake ice provides maximum cooling surface area and melts quickly to cool the product. There is a misconception that ice melting quickly is a bad thing. On the contrary, heat transfer out of the product occurs only when ice melts. So, the faster the ice melts, the more quickly it cools.

Flake ice is also the best choice as an ingredient in processed meats. Its thin shape allows it to melt quickly and it does not clump like other types of ice, so it blends easily into mixtures and will not damage mixing equipment.

RECOMMENDED ICE EQUIPMENT

North Star stainless steel ice makers and stainless steel ice storage systems are designed to meet the food safety and sanitation standards for worldwide food processing. We recommend our Elite and Plus ice machines, which feature a stainless steel freezing surface and stainless steel components throughout the water path. The stainless steel freezing surface will not contaminate food because it will not chip, peel, crack, pit or rust, as chrome-plated surfaces are known to do. The stainless steel and other approved interior components ensure that water and ice come into contact only with surfaces that are smooth, corrosion resistant, non-toxic, stable and non-absorbent. Stainless steel ice equipment is also easy to clean as required for safety and sanitation.

North Star Elite and Plus modular ice storage systems include stainless steel rakes and bin liners as well as other stainless steel components for safe, sanitary storage of ice. These can be combined with screw conveyor or pneumatic delivery systems and case ice dispensers depending on the processor’s requirements.