Treating beef trimmings with 3% potassium lactate, 4% sodium
metasilicate, 0.1% acidified sodium chlorite, or 0.2% peroxyacetic
acid before grinding could improve or maintain instrumental and
sensory color, sensory odor, and lipid characteristics in comparison
to traditionally processed ground beef. The NMS treatment demonstrated
a better performance against discoloration of the meat surface,
a brighter red color at its worst point, and overall color at late
stages of display. All the antimicrobial-treated ground beef was
similar in redness to the untreated control at the beginning of display.
Also, all treatments demonstrated non-residual off odors. Lipid
oxidation was clearly reduced by all treatments which indicate
its potential use in a ground beef production system. Therefore, the
application of these antimicrobials, if approved under proper regulations,
can be used effectively on bulk ground beef without adversely
affecting the quality attributes. However, further
investigations as to evaluate flavor, texture, cooked color properties,
and residue levels of potassium lactate, sodium metasilicate,
acidified sodium chlorite, or peroxyacetic acid residues treated
ground beef are recommended.