Potential mechanisms of carbon monoxide and high oxygen packaging in maintaining color stability of different bovine muscles

Meat Sci. 2014 Jun;97(2):189-96. doi: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2014.01.027. Epub 2014 Feb 9.

Abstract

The objectives were to compare the effects of packaging methods on color stability, metmyoglobin-reducing-activity (MRA), total-reducing-activity and NADH concentration of different bovine muscles and to explore potential mechanisms in the enhanced color stability by carbon monoxide modified atmosphere packaging (CO-MAP, 0.4% CO/30% CO2/69.6% N2). Steaks from longissimus lumborum (LL), psoas major (PM) and longissimus thoracis (LT) packaged in CO-MAP, high-oxygen modified atmosphere packaging (HiOx-MAP, 80% O2/20% CO2) or vacuum packaging were stored for 0day, 4days, 9days, and 14days or stored for 9days then displayed in air for 0day, 1day, or 3days. The CO-MAP significantly increased red color stability of all muscles, and especially for PM. The PM and LT were more red than LL in CO-MAP, whereas PM had lowest redness in HiOx-MAP. The content of MetMb in CO-MAP was lower than in HiOx-MAP. Steaks in CO-MAP maintained a higher MRA compared with those in HiOx-MAP during storage. After opening packages, the red color of steaks in CO-MAP deteriorated more slowly compared with that of steaks in HiOx-MAP.

Keywords: Beef; Carbon monoxide; Color stability; Metmyoglobin-reducing activity; Modified atmosphere packaging; Muscles.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Atmosphere
  • Carbon Monoxide*
  • Cattle
  • Color*
  • Food Packaging / methods*
  • Food Preservation / methods*
  • Meat / analysis*
  • Metmyoglobin / analysis
  • Muscle, Skeletal
  • NAD
  • Oxygen*
  • Pigmentation*
  • Vacuum

Substances

  • NAD
  • Metmyoglobin
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Oxygen