Each panellist removed the meat samples from the package by opening it with a knife and placing the sample on a white plastic plate. The samples were then evaluated for off-odours. Scores for “off-odour” referred to the intensity of off-odours associated with meat deterioration: 1 = none, 2 = slight, 3 = small, 4 = moderate and 5 = extreme. After allowing the colour to develop for about 5 min, the panellists evaluated the meat samples for red colour. The colour scale used to evaluate meat red colour was a five point scale that had been previously created by the panellists: 5 = extremely intense, 4 = moderately intense, 3 = acceptable, 2 = moderately weak and 1 = extremely weak. Sensory evaluation sessions were held under fluorescent lighting (2000 lx; Philips 40W Cool White).