Continuous formation of center-filled gum

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for continuously producing pieces of liquid-filled gum material, including applying an anti-sticking agent to the rope of liquid-filled gum material before it is individually cut into pieces. The invention further provides for a liquid-filled chewing gum including a liquid-fill composition, and a gum region surrounding the liquid-fill composition, where the gum region includes an anti-sticking agent that reduces the tendency of the gum region to stick to the molds and operating machinery during gum manufacturing.

1 . A liquid-filled chewing gum composition comprising:
 (a) a liquid-fill composition; and   (b) a gum region surrounding said liquid fill composition, said gum region comprising a gum base;   wherein said gum region further comprises a food grade oil or oil-based material thereon that reduces the tendency of the gum region to stick or adhere to molds and operating machinery during gum manufacturing.   
     
     
         2 . A liquid-filled chewing gum composition comprising:
 (a) a liquid-fill composition; and   (b) a gum region surrounding said liquid fill composition, said gum region comprising a gum base;   wherein said gum region further comprises a material selected from the group consisting of food grade oils, oil-based materials, edible lubricants, and combinations thereof thereon, which reduces the tendency of the gum region to stick or adhere to molds and operating machinery during gum manufacturing.   
     
     
         3 - 6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein said gum region has at least one outer surface, and said food grade oil or oil-based material is disposed directly on said outer surface of the gum region. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 2 , wherein said gum region has at least one outer surface, and said material is disposed directly on said outer surface of the gum region.