In Brazil, recent studies on beef carcasses
have reported cooler shrink ranging from 0.40 to 2.16% after 24 h of
chilling .Spray chilling carcasses with water have been widely used in North
America and Europe to minimize water losses without changing the
cooling rate . Although the results are heterogeneous, significant reductions in cooler shrink have been
observed without negative effects on the beef quality and bacterial
status of the carcasses. However, strict control of the sprinkler system should be maintained
to prevent carcass weight gain, which may be considered fraud
in certain countries .Countries where the use of carcass spray chilling is banned or
restricted lack alternatives to minimize the significant economic losses
from cooler shrink. An alternative method consists of wrapping the
half carcasses in plastic film during chilling. Studies conducted on beef and lamb
in the 1970s showed the efficacy of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
filmwrapping in reducing the economic loss and improving appearance,
although increased surface moisture, reduced cooling rate and, in some
cases, higher bacterial counts were observed.
The development of appropriate manufacturing practices, the
HACCP systemand new cooling systems have improved the final microbial
status of carcasses and reduced the chilling time. However, although depreciation during chilling was
reduced, it remains a serious economic loss, especially for the Brazilian
beef and lamb slaughter and meat processing industries. In addition, there is
a clear lack of knowledge on the validity of the method of wrapping
carcasses in plastic film in current beef production scenarios. The present
study aimed to evaluate the process of wrapping beef half carcasses in
polyethylene film during chilling and its effects on cooler shrink, cooling
characteristics and the hygienic and health conditions of half carcasses.