SHELF-LIFE EXTENSION AND MICROBIOLOGICAL SAFETY OF FRESH MEAT - A REVIEW

Fresh meat is a highly perishable product due to its biological composition. Under normal, aerobic packaging conditions, the shelf life of refrigerated meat is limited by the growth and biochemical activities of aerobic, psychrotropic strains of bacteria. Additional control methods which can be used to extend the shelf life of fresh meat include modified atmosphere packaging, chemical decontamination prior to packaging and low dose irradiation after packaging. This review focuses on the biochemical and microbiological composition of fresh meat, the spoilage patterns in fresh meat and the combination treatments which can be used by the meat processor to extend the shelf life and keeping quality of meat at refrigerated storage temperatures. The review also addresses safety concerns of MAP/irradiated fresh meat specifically with respect to growth of, and toxin production by C. botulinum types A and B and other pathogens, particularly under mild temperature abuse conditions. © 1991, Academic Press Limited. All rights reserved.