Ensure Food Safety in Meat and Poultry without Sacrificing Quality

Food safety is top of mind for today’s consumers¹, who are inundated with information that feeds their concerns about the overall safety of the foods they consume, every day.

• 50% of Americans cite foodborne illness as the most important food concern.²
• Less than a quarter of Americans are 'very confident' in the safety of the U.S. food supply.²

Meat and Poultry Products are at Risk for Bacterial Spoilage

Meat and poultry products are subject to microbial growth due to their nutrient composition, high water content, and moderate pH. This microbial growth can result in deterioration, a key factor in shelf life—and if unchecked, can result in foodborne illness outbreaks. 

Fresh and processed meats are very susceptible to microbial spoilage due to their water activity level, which supports and promotes the growth of microorganisms. 

Different types of spoilage bacteria may proliferate, due to possible contamination throughout processing, as well as environmental conditions during storage of the unfinished meat product. Microbial growth in meat and poultry products can result in a long list of additional concerns beyond aroma and flavor, including changes in appearance, discoloration, gas production, decrease in water holding capacity, and more.

Not only is it important for consumers to handle raw meat and poultry safely, but it is also important for meat and poultry manufacturers to use the proper ingredients to help prevent the growth of bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes. 

Consumers are Looking for Food Safety and Transparency

Consumers also have changing attitudes and definitions around food safety. Of course, they expect food to be free of toxins and pathogens, but over one half welcome more transparency from food brands, according to a 2020 study.³

According to Mintel:

• 72% of participants agree that quality red meat is worth a higher price.⁴
• 10% of poultry consumers decreased their intake, citing safety concerns as a reason.⁵

Luckily for consumers, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is a designated department that is determined to help protect consumers from outbreaks such as Listeria. They provide the resources consumers need to stay on top of the latest recalls and provide them with food safety guidelines and best practices.

How Meat and Poultry Manufacturers can Appeal to Consumers

Meat and poultry manufacturers can maximize their brand's success by reaching the widest potential consumer audience through:

• Food safety assurance
• Added value
• Product features, attributes, and messaging
• Transparency throughout, including clean label protection
• Highlighting convenience

Food Safety Solutions for Meat and Poultry Manufacturers

Kemin provides food safety solutions to address your product’s specific conditions, including several solutions that address microbial spoilage. Our buffered vinegar and acid-based products are shown to provide protection from Listeria monocytogenes, E.coli and Salmonella with no negative effect on meat quality, including water-holding capacity, protein denaturation, color or flavor.

Available in dry and liquid forms, they are easy to add to brines/marinades, spices blends or directly to meat, poultry and fish applications

• Clean label and acid-based varieties
• Low and no-sodium contribution options
• cost-efficient formulas

Resources

¹ ‘Food Safety and Security Is Top of Mind for Consumers,’ Mars Global Food Safety Center, https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/food-safety-and-security-top-of-mindfor-consumers

² 2022 Food and Health Survey, International Food Information Council, foodinsight.org

³ ‘Global Consumers Trust Food Brands, But Seek Greater Transparency, DNV-GL Finds,’ Krista Garver, Food Industry Executive, July 15, 2020, https://foodindustryexecutive.com/2020/07/globalconsumers-trust-food-brands-but-seek-greater-transparency-dnv-gl-finds/.

⁴ Packaged Red Meat - U.S. - Mintel, 2023

⁵ Poultry - U.S. - Mintel, 2021

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