Growing concern about diet and health has led to development of healthier food products. In general consumer
perception towards the intake of meat and meat products is unhealthy because it may increase the risk of
diseases like cardiovascular diseases, obesity and cancer, because of its high fat content (especially saturated
fat) and added synthetic antioxidants and antimicrobials. Addition of plant derivatives having antioxidant
components including vitamins A, C and E, minerals, polyphenols, flavanoids and terpenoids in meat products
may decrease the risk of several degenerative diseases. To change consumer attitudes towards meat consumption,
the meat industry is undergoing major transformations by addition of nonmeat ingredients as animal fat replacers,
natural antioxidants and antimicrobials, preferably derived from plant sources.