How Packaging Enhances Meat Quality and Freshness

When it comes to meat, we all need fresh, quality cuts. Meat is the central and crowning eatable in the food industry. Whether it is a fast-food item or a fine dining experience, meat is liked and loved by all people. Hence, it is crucial to preserve the quality of meat from the start. It needs to be fresh, finely cut, and moist upon reaching the restaurants. The quality of meat in terms of longevity and freshness enhances the flavour and succulence of the dish, and this delicate preservation is done through packaging.

Meat Packaging

The meat industry has seen remarkable innovation and changes in packaging technologies over a period of time. The change in packaging is the ultimate verdict on sustainable practices that not only speak for eco-friendly standards but also extend the shelf life of the meat.

Packaging allows the meat to retain its freshness from farm to table. It holds a pivotal role in meat processing plants as the first line of defence against unhygienic safety and contamination. Meat packaging in current times highlights the cutting-edge technologies that have shaped the industry. Some ground-breaking practices in packaging are mentioned below for you.

1: Sustainable Packaging Materials

There is no doubt that meat processing plants have embraced the latest technology to reduce their environmental footprint. They have come a long way from using single-use plastic to adopting sustainable alternatives.

Biodegradable films are the most sustainable option in the meat processing industry. It is made from polylactic acid (PLA) and cornstarch. These materials naturally breakdown after a certain period of time and reduce waste to a large extent.

2: Vacuum Packaging

Vacuum packaging in the food industry remains a staple practice due to its fast processing and ability to keep food items fresh for a longer period of time. Vacuum packaging eliminates oxygen from the package and increases the shelf life of the meat.

Recently, many manufacturers of packaging have started implementing Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), which controls the package atmosphere by eliminating carbon dioxide and nitrogen. The precisely controlled gas mixture preserves the meat’s colour, flavour, and texture while stopping bacterial growth.

Another innovative and sustainable practice in meat plants is to have advanced vacuum packaging that incorporates sensors and real-time data to monitor the meat condition and ensure product quality and safety.

3: Antimicrobial Packaging

Meat is a fast-decaying food product. It has bacterial growth capacity inside it that rots and decays meat products very rapidly. In order to reduce this rotting and decaying process, edible films and coatings play an important role. Edible films and coatings incorporate natural antimicrobial agents like plant extracts and essential oils to hinder the growth of harmful bacteria on meat’s surface. Using the antimicrobial packaging, chemical preservatives are reduced to a large extent.

Retaining the Quality of Meat

Packaging serves as the first line of defence against various factors that can compromise the quality and safety of meat products. The safety and quality of meat are retained by focusing on certain factors.

Proper packaging in the meat processing plant controls the level of moisture around the meat. Excessive meat moisture leads to increased rotting and bacterial growth. The meat becomes smelly and of low quality. Having adequate moisture in the meat keeps the quality and texture of the meat in balance and in a moist condition.

Secondly, it is also important to retain the meat quality by protecting the meat from extensive light. Shielding the meat from ultraviolet (UV) and fluorescent light is also essential. Excessive light can cause photooxidation, leading to off-flavour and degradation in the meat.

M&M Packaging Equipment

Packaging is designed for easy handling of the product and to reduce damage to food items. Packaging in the meat industry ensures that products are delivered in optimal condition. Hence, the latest packaging technology and equipment are used in the food industry.

M&M Equipment Corps has the latest packaging machines specialised for the meat industry and handling massive meat operations. The inventory list of packaging is long, but the sustainable and innovative equipment used in packaging meat products is listed below for your consideration.

1. ROSS S45 Packaging Machine: It is equipped with the latest touchscreen controls and MAP capability to automatically film and rewind packaging. It is essential equipment in meat packaging.
2. WEIGHPACK SWIFTY BAGGER 1200 with COMBI SCALE: Combi-scale packaging is infused with conveyors and has a stainless steel build that drives automatic pouch bagging with VFFD variable speed. It allows meat to be packed in massive operations.
3. MULTIVAC T-350 Tray Sealer: The Multivac T-350 packaging machine lines meat and ready meals with perfect tray packing. With the capacity to pack 30 trays, this machine is commercially utilised.

M&M works in the best interest of its customers and ensures that quality meat packaging is practiced to massive eco-friendly standards. The service also comes with free implementation in the food plant.