The peroxy radicals react with unsaturated fatty acids and form hydroperoxides (ROOH),
which later decompose to produce the volatile aromatic compounds that give meat its perceived off-flavours and
rancid odour . The interaction of alkyl and peroxy radicals leads to the formation of non-radical products such as aldehydes, alkanes and conjugated dienes.
Formation of aldehydes has been found to be directly related to the deterioration of meat colour and flavour,
protein stability and functionality
The consequence of aldehydes has also been associated with atherosclerosis,
putative mutagens and cancer formation in thebody
The rate and extent of lipid oxidation are influenced by a number of factors,
which include iron content, distribution of unsaturated fatty acids,
pH and antioxidant levels