A majority of people rely on different types of meat for their dose of protein, across the world. However, the variety and choices in meat have gone up considerably in recent years. You are no longer limited to buying regular cuts of chicken, pork, or beef. There are hybrid meat products, and the new entrant is plant-based alternatives. While the variety seems encouraging, you have to be careful about health implications too. Not all meat available in supermarkets and shops is processed in the same way.
Meat processing technology has evolved greatly over time and you can find varying cuts and types of meat offering diverse texture, flavor, and nutritional value. You should learn about various additives in meat before buying and consuming it.
Meat processing technology evolution
Meat processing has undergone a sea change over the decades. Some of the developments are:
- Automated processing- In many met processing setups, Automation and usage of tools have gone up drastically. This helps in boosting processing speed and the precision in cutting and packaging also gets a boost.
- Usage of additives- In recent years, various types of additives and products has been used for meat processing. This helps enhance the taste and shelf-life.
- Smart sensors- In various meat processing units, smart and automated sensors are used for quality control.
Additives in meat processing- learning the importance
Additives are used in meat processing for various needs including enhanced shelf life, better texture, better flavor, and enhanced nutritional value. The most widely used meat additives are- Phosphates, Nitrates and Nitrites, and Soy Protein.
The usage of soy protein in meat processing sector has gone up and the advantages are numerous. Its usage helps reduce production costs and improve meat emulsification, too. In any case, buying meat with safe additives is important. You should read the labels carefully and choose those with natural additives. Checking for certification from top regulatory bodies like EFSA, the USDA, and FDA is also recommended.
Balancing Consumer preferences, and health concerns with innovation
While meat consumers appreciate the variety in the market, they are also becoming more aware of the hidden health risks. They are especially concerned about sustainability and the safety of artificial ingredients including the additives.
The meat processing sector is embracing certain steps to address consumer concerns:
- Processed meat products are now sold with clear labeling and detailed information on the additives and ingredients used.
- Several manufacturers are switching to the usage of safer natural additives.
- The usage of soy protein is being done for better nutritional value.
- Some manufacturers are shifting to eco-friendly packaging options for waste reduction.
A look at the emerging technologies in the meat processing sector
The deployment of futuristic technologies is poised to grow in the meat processing sector, indicate the latest developments. More advanced tools driven by AI and ML technologies will replace existing machinery in such setups.
Robotic systems will speed up meat processing, and storage and help eliminate errors. The widespread automation and adoption of data analytics will usher in new changes in the sector.