This article reviews the genetic and environmental deviations of color and texture in meat, with emphasis mainly on pale, soft, and exudative and dark, firm, and dry defects. Color deviations include abnormally paler or darker color, whereas texture deviations address mainly meat tenderness or toughness. Both are influenced by intrinsic factors, such as rigor mortis development in muscle, muscle features, and animal stress reactivity. Extrinsic factors affecting color and texture deviations include rearing conditions, preslaughter treatment, slaughter techniques, and carcass processing conditions. In this article, a focus on genetic determinants of color and texture deviation is done.