R. Ramanathan is from the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. Contact Ramanathan at ranjith.ramanathan@okstate.edu or 405-744-9260.
Nitrite-embedded packaging utilizes nitrite embedded in the film. When nitrite comes in contact with meat, a series of biochemical reactions take place, and finally, a bright red pigment called nitric oxide myoglobin is formed.
Consumers often associate a bright-red color with beef freshness and wholesomeness. Higher-than-normal-pH conditions are an example of a color deviation in which beef failed to have a bright-red color, leading to discounted carcasses and economic losses to the meat industry.
