The effect of modified atmosphere packaging at an early postmortem stage on lamb meat quality during subsequent aging

Abstract This study explores the influence of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on fresh lamb meat quality with respect to gas concentration, rigor state, and post‐mortem aging time. A comparison was done for the quality characteristics of lamb Longissimus thoracis lumborum chops that had been packaged separately in air, 75%O 2 + 25%CO 2 MAP or 50%O 2 + 50%CO 2 MAP at 1, 6, and 24 h post‐mortem and then stored for 6, 12, 24, 72, and 144 h post‐mortem, and the quality of lamb chops had been evaluated at each post‐mortem period separately. Chops packaged at 1 and 6 h post‐mortem in MAP had reduced pH decline, less purge loss, and enhanced redness at early post‐mortem storage times. Lamb color stability was evidently greater in 75%O 2 + 25%CO 2 MAP than in 50%O 2 + 50%CO 2 MAP during the early storage period when a* and R630/R580 were taken into account. Shear force values were lowest in lambs packaged at 1 h post‐mortem with 75%O 2 + 25%CO 2 MAP at 12 h post‐mortem and then increased until 72 h post‐mortem, suggesting that rigor has been delayed by such a high O 2 MAP. Thus, fresh lamb quality was maintained most effectively when packaged at 1 h post‐mortem in 75%O 2 + 25%CO 2 MAP for consumption at 12 h post‐mortem. The exact mechanisms and optimization of MAP based on Chinese retail conditions should be considered in future studies. Practical Application In this study, three slaughter patterns in the meat industry involving boning immediately after dressing (hot‐boning) and chilling for a short period (warm‐boning) or overnight (cold‐boning) are considered, as well as the behavior of non‐immediate consumption after purchase. Modified atmosphere packaging provides an effective preservation of early post‐mortem muscles with enhanced color stability, water holding capacity, and texture during refrigerated storage. This could provide new insights into how to process lamb muscles in the early post‐mortem period to improve and stabilize lamb quality.