2002 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. CASINGS are used in sausage manufacture for forming sausage products intoa specific shape and/or for portion control. Natural casings, regenerated cellulose casings, and reconstituted or regenerated collagen casings are widely used in sausage manufacture (Wang, 1986). Collagen casings are important in the production of a variety of value-added or processed meat products. This chapter describes the fundamental manufacturing processes used in collagen casing manufacture, innovations and improvements in collagen casing manufacture, and the functionality of collagen casings for use in processed meat manufacturing. Additional emphasis is given to the use, performance, and problems associated with application of collagen casings during sausage manufacture (i.e., stuffing) and thermal processing (i.e., smoking and cooking). Aglossary of terms commonly associated with the manufacture and use of collagen casings is also provided.
