Pulsed electric fields and meat processing: latest updates

Abstract

Pulsed electric fields (PEF) is a non-thermal technology that is still looking for implementation on a larger scale by the meat industry. Its sustainability dimension, which is much improved by lowering energy consumption and shortening treatment times compared to conventional technologies, may tip the scale for successfully shifting the PEF technology readiness level to industrial application. This review provides an overview of the latest knowledge, and in the last three years, on using PEF processing in meat to enhance its functionality, nutrition, texture, colour and sensory quality. PEF treatment could improve meat’s protein digestibility and solubility while having no negative impact on its nutritional value. However, controversial indications regarding PEF’s effect on meat cooking loss are reported. Colour changes of meat after PEF treatment are directly proportional to the extent of total specific energy inputs used in the processing, while the effect of PEF on meat sensory properties is yet to be discovered. Since the ability of PEF to achieve its desired goals is dependent on many different factors, including the type of meat, electric field strength, number and duration of electric pulses, and others, more studies are needed to fully understand specific conditions that can be dependably applied in the meat industry.Highlights pulsed electric fields improve functional quality of meat pulsed electric fields do not negatively affect nutritional quality of meat pulsed electric fields sustainability research in meat industry is hugely missing.