processing machine, either by abrasion or due to acidic dissolving of
metals from the surface factors could promote the rate of oxidation in
meat . Moreover,the type of diet consumed by animals during the production phase
has a great influence on the susceptibility of meat to oxidation postmortem.
Zhang, Xiao, Lee, and Ahn (2011) reported an increase in lipid
and protein oxidation in the breast muscles of birds that had been fed
a dietary oxidized oil diet compared to antioxidant-supplemented and
control diets. Exposure of meat to oxygen, light and temperature, as well as preservative and processing techniques,
such as chilling, freezing, additives (salt, nitrate and spices), cooking, irradiation, high pressure and packaging,
could influence the extent of oxidation. Currently,
lipid and protein oxidation is one of the biggest economic problems in the meat industry.
It compromises the nutritional quality, limits shelf life,
increases toxicity and decreases the market value of meat and meat products .
However, the rate and extent of oxidation can be retarded, reduced or prevented through the application of
natural antioxidants (Fig. 1).