This study aims to evaluate the stability of beef from Semitendinosus muscle packaged in oxygen permeable
wrapped-tray units and stored in a master bag system, with and without oxygen scavengers. Changes in the atmosphere
composition, microbiological indexes, myoglobin forms and color parameters were monitored during
the storage in master bag, blooming and display life. The presence of scavengers reduced rapidly the oxygen concentration
and maintained it at values not detectable instrumentally. Within few days of storage in master bags,
the resolution of the transient discoloration was completed and the meat quality was maintained over the anoxic
storage. After the removal from master bags meat bloomed completely reaching OxyMb level and Chroma values
higher than those on fresh meat at t0. During 48 h of display life at 4 °C, quality attributes had a decay slower than
samples stored traditionally in air. Without scavengers the oxygen caused the irreversible discoloration within
7 days, due to the formation of metmyoglobin on the surface.