This study tested the hypothesis that the initial freezing point temperature of meat is affected by pH. Sixty
four bovine M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum were classified into two ultimate pH groups: low (b5.8)
and high pH (>6.2) and their cooling and freezing point temperatures were determined. The initial freezing
temperatures for beef ranged from −0.9 to −1.5 °C (Δ=0.6 °C) with the higher and lower temperatures associated
with high and low ultimate pH respectively. There was a significant correlation (r=+0.73, Pb0.01)
between beef pH and freezing point temperature in the present study. The outcome of this study has implications
for the meat industry where evidence of freezing (ice formation) in a shipment as a result of high pH
meat could result in a container load of valuable chilled product being downgraded to a lower value frozen product.