Apparatus for cutting food product

An apparatus for cutting food product, the apparatus comprising:

• means for making a substantially horizontal cut through a food product being delivered thereto in a substantially vertical direction;
• at least one feed member above the cutting means, the feed member comprising an internal passage that defines an opening in proximity to the cutting means for delivering the food product to the cutting means in a substantially vertical direction, the internal passage being defined by diametrically-opposed first and second walls of the feed member;
• means for applying a force to the food product traveling downward through the internal passage so as to push the food product against the first wall of the feed member as the cutting means is making a substantially horizontal cut through the food product;
• a lower housing member in which the cutting means is contained;
• an upper housing member above the cutting means and having first and second positions relative to the cutting means, the upper housing member applying a clamping load to the cutting means so as to secure the cutting means within the lower housing member when the upper housing member is in the first position thereof, the upper housing member releasing the clamping load on the cutting means when the upper housing member is in the second position thereof;
• means for permitting rotation of the cutting means while under the clamping load applied by the upper housing member in the first position thereof;
• and
• means for preventing electrical current flow to the cutting means when the upper housing is not in the first position thereof.