The use of micro-perforated lidding film in low-oxygen storage of beef steaks

Abstract

M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL), M. semimembranosus (Sm) and M. psoas major (PM) steaks were MA packed under low oxygen conditions (mother packs and barrier trays) using micro-perforated lidding film (with/without oxygen scavengers). After 18 days storage, steaks were aerobically displayed. Color measurements (over 96 h) were compared with steaks cut from vacuum stored primals and aerobically displayed (control). LTL steaks, with scavengers in trays, had a 96 h display life compared with 72-96 h for the control. LTL steaks without scavengers failed to bloom. Sm and PM steaks from mother packs failed to bloom. Metmyoglobin formation occurred on Sm steaks stored in barrier packs with scavengers, while PM steaks resisted oxidation. Oxygen levels introduced during mother packaging were high enough to result in metmyoglobin formation on Sm and PM. LTL steaks with scavengers can be stored in mother packs with micro-perforated film using these scavengers. Pm and LTL were successfully stored in barrier treatments with scavengers. © Copyright 2005, Blackwell Publishing.