The results of the present study can be used in the development of
strategies to avoid the problem of ice crystal formation in chilled meat
products during active chilling and during storage and transport. The
findings may also be useful to the refrigeration industry by providing a
more thorough understanding of the impact that natural product variation
and storage temperature variation can have on the quality of chilled
products in general. With better temperature control in modern shipping
refrigerated containers and the need to provide a useful storage/shelf life
in the market place, there is the temptation to lower the operating temperature
in the container. This research illustrates that measures will
need to be taken, such as screening product for high and low pH, if
lower container temperatures are to be used.