In addition to the high lipid content, the obtention method is another aspect that contributes to the occur- rence of lipid oxidation in MDCM as in the processing the incorporation of minerals occurs from the fragmented bones. Furthermore, the grinding during process increas- es the product’s contact surface with light and oxygen, the oxidation accelerating agents. The lifespan of MDCM is of 24 hours at a temperature below 4°C, 72 hours if kept at 0°C and 90 days if stored at a temperature of −18°C [5].
Oxidation is a natural process in meat and its deriva- tives, and its occurrence is potentiated in the presence of oxidative agents. An alternative for retarding lipid oxida- tion in mechanically separated meats is the addition of antioxidants and preservatives, but this practice is not allowed by the current law. Thomas [6] defines antioxi- dants as any substance that, when present at low concen- trations compared with those of an oxidizable substrate, significantly retards or inhibits oxidation of the substrate. Antioxidants can act by different mechanisms protecting the target lipids from the onset of oxidation or impeding the propagation phase as described in Mariutti and Bra- gagnolo [7]. Sodium erythorbate and ascorbic acid are widely used antioxidants in the food industry, while so- dium chloride is used as a preservative, which also pro- vides flavor to meat and meat products. According to Ra- fecas and others [8], deciding on an antioxidant should take into account factors such as laws, cost and consumer preference for natural antioxidants. This study evaluated the inhibition of lipid oxidation in mechanically deboned chicken meat with the addition of sodium chloride, sodium erythorbate and ascorbic acid, therefore the pH, acidity, peroxide index, color and odor of the MDCMs were evaluated.