Plant extracts as natural antioxidants in meat processing

Abstract

© 2019, Agricultural Academy, Bulgaria. All rights reserved. In response to recent claims that synthetic antioxidants have the potential to cause toxicological effects and consumers‘ increased interest in purchasing natural products, the meat industry has been seeking sources of natural antioxidants. Due to their high phenolic compound content, medicinal plants, spices and other plant materials provide a good alternative to conventional antioxidants. Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of plant essential oil and plant extracts when used in meat products. Generally, essential oil and plant extracts, as natural antioxidants are added to fresh and processed meat and meat products to delay, or prevent lipid oxidation, rancidity, decrease microbial growth, improve colour stability and extend shelf-life, without any damage to the sensory or nutritional properties.