The effect of hot water treatment of beef trimmings on the processing characteristics, shelf-life and consumer
acceptability of ground beef was evaluated. Hot water treatment (85 °C for 40 s) substantially enhanced the
microbial quality of trimmings during refrigerated storage and this was independent of the fat level of the trimmings.
Treatment had no effect on the oxidative stability of trimmings stored up to 7 days, ground beef displayed
in a retail cabinet for up to 3 days, and had minimal effect on textural properties. Instrumental results demonstrate
that ground beef from hot water treated trimmings was slightly lighter and tended to have less red color
compared to non-treated beef. These color differences did not impact the consumer acceptance of raw patties,
and in addition, hot water treatment did not significantly affect the consumer acceptability of cooked patty
attributes.