Radiation Processing: An Emerging Preservation Technique for Meat and Meat Products

Development of shelf stable meat and meat products is a challenging task due to physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory alterations during storage. Lot of thrust is being given in the application of radiation processing in meat sector due to its microbial safety. Maintaining and delivering quality and safety products both in civilian and service sectors is the need of the hour. Even though irradiation can ensure complete microbial sterility it can lead to lipid and protein oxidation due to the formation of free radicals which can cause flavour changes. Several studies on the usage of natural antioxidants which can arrest these changes have been reported. Irradiation can find excellent applications in the extension of shelf life of chilled and non chilled carcasses and birds in service sectors. There are several radiation processing plants in India commissioned in the private sector which can also be utilized by Armed forces for extending the shelf life of whole carcass and birds with an extension of shelf life. This will be of great significance to the defence forces.