Plant based derivatives are widely available and are potential
sources for many bioactive components such as vitamins, minerals
and natural antioxidants such as tocopherols, polyphenols,
flavanoids, tannins, terpenoids etc. The utilization of these derivatives
as animal fat replacers, natural antioxidants and antimicrobials
in meat products may enhance product quality and can help the
meat industry to meet consumer demands for healthier meat products.
Numerous studies have compared plant derivatives with synthetic
antimicrobials and antioxidants and reported that they are
more potent and safer than synthetic compounds. Further research
has to be carried out on the extraction and isolation of the phytochemicals
responsible for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity
and their potential applications in developing healthier, shelf
stable meat products.