High pressure processing of fresh meat — Is it worth it?

When subjected to high pressures at ambient temperatures, the shelf life of fresh meat is increased; however the meat takes on a cooked appearance as the actomyosin denatures at about 200MPa and the myoglobin denatures and/or co-precipitates with other proteins at about 400MPa. In addition, at pressures of 400MPa and above the unsaturated lipids in the meat become more susceptible to oxidation, probably due to the release of iron from complexes present in meat (haemosiderin and ferritin?) and/or changes in the lipid membrane. Thus, even if legislation allowed it, it is unlikely that many consumers would be prepared to buy such meat. However if pre-rigor meat is subjected to pressures of about 100–150MPa, below those necessary to cause colour changes, it becomes significantly more tender than its untreated counterpart and this may now be a commercially viable process, given the decreasing cost of high pressure rigs. When treated at 100–200MPa while the temperature is raised from ambient to around 60°C post-rigor meat also yields a tender product and this may also be a commercially attractive process to parts of the food industry, for example those involved in catering. •The use of high pressure for fresh meat is discussed in the light of the following.•At about 200MPa actomyosin denatures and at 400MPa myoglobin denatures.•At about 400MPa and above the lipids in meat become more susceptible to oxidation.•At 100–150MPa and ambient temperature pre-rigor meat is tenderised.•At 100–200MPa post-rigor meat is tenderised as the temperature is raised to 60°C.