As pH is a measure of
the amount of free hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution, it is possible
that freezing with subsequent exudate production could cause denaturation of buffer proteins, the release of hydrogen ions and a subsequent decrease in pH. Alternatively, the loss of fluid from the meat
tissue may cause an increase in the concentration of the solutes,
which results in a decrease in the pH. A further explanation for this
finding may involve the deamination of proteins by microbial or
enzymatic action, with the ensuing release of hydrogen atoms