All such products will achieve a more or less prolonged shelf life through reduction or complete destruction of microbial populations by the heating process (thermal reduction/thermal destruction).
Both groups of products have the following in common: They are
• filled in containers such as casings, cans, glass jars or synthetic pouches, which are closed or sealed after filling
• submitted to thermal treatment with a defined temperature and time combination that reduces or eliminates the microorganisms in the product, thus providing a prolonged shelf life.
The difference between the two groups (a) and (b) of heat treated meat products lays in their microbial status achieved, which determines how these products can be stored after thermal treatment: