Ultrasound has a wide range of applications in various agricultural sectors. In food processing, it is considered to
be an emerging technology with the potential to speed up processes without damaging the quality of foodstuffs.
Here we review the reports on the applications of ultrasound specifically with a view to its use in meat process-
ing. Emphasis is placed on the effects on quality and technological properties such as texture, water retention,
colour, curing, marinating, cooking yield, freezing, thawing and microbial inhibition. After the literature review
it is concluded that ultrasound is a useful tool for the meat industry as it helps in tenderisation, accelerates mat-
uration and mass transfer, reduces cooking energy, increases shelf life of meat without affecting other quality
properties, improves functional properties of emulsified products, eases mould cleaning and improves the
sterilisation of equipment surfaces.