An apparatus for separating liquid from food product includes a rotable drum mounted in a frame. The ends of the drum are comprised of rigid structural material, and each includes a sealing band. An inlet at the first end receives food product and liquid. Food product solids, with less water than received, are discharged from an outlet at the second end. One or more helical flights extend between the ends. The flights have an outer edge, and a flexible mesh screen is wrapped about and intermittently supported by the outer edge. The ends of the screen are held in the sealing bands, and the longitudinal edges of the screen are held by a seal extending between the sealing bands. Liquid can pass through the screen and food product is retained in the drum by the screen, and moved to the outlet by the flights.