An improved seasoning system 10, 11, 13 uniformly coats a food product
with the desired amount of seasoning, with the seasoning rate preferably
being controlled as a function of the product volume signals from the
sensors 26, 34, 108 and 110. The seasoning system preferably utilizes
linear motion conveyors and either a rotating drum 36 or a deflector 98
and a second seasoning unit 112, 114 between linear conveyors 94, 96. Oil
may be sprayed onto food products and tumbled in a drum 16 which both
rotates and moves in a reciprocating manner with the conveyor tray 14. An
improved seasoning tray 123, 144, 148 has a planar floor 122, 138, 162
with an angled discharge edge 124, 137, 182 for uniformly distributing
seasoning on the product. The seasoning system minimizes damage to the
food product and uniformly coats the product with a desired amount of
seasoning.