METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR UNIFORMLY ADDING PARTICULATES TO A COATING ON COMESTIBLES, AND PRODUCTS PRODUCED THEREBY

A process for applying particulates to a large number of comestible cores during the production of comestible cores so as to have a generally uniform application of particulates on each coated core involves the steps of placing a batch of comestible cores in a coating apparatus; applying aliquots of coating syrup while the cores are tumbled in the coating apparatus to build up a coating on the cores; dividing a predetermined total amount of the particulates to be applied to the coated cores into at least three portions of approximately equal size; and applying each of the portions of particulates to the coated cores simultaneously from multiple, spaced apart, particulate distributors in the coating apparatus while the coated cores are being tumbled. Preferably the particulate applicator comprises a number of venturi eductors equal to the number of particulate distributors; a pneumatic hose connected between each venturi eductor and each particulate distributor; and a vibratory pan for holding a quantity of particulates and causing the particulates to vibrate and flow at a uniform rate into each venturi eductor. The process is particularly were suited to uniformly apply speckle particulates to produce coated chewing gum or other confectionery cores with a uniform number of speckles on each core.