Investigation of antioxidants and intrinsic factors as the cause of discoloration in vacuum-packaged beef.

Intrinsic factors of vacuum-packaged, discolored beef samples found in the early stages of wet aging at the slaughterhouse were measured and compared to a control group. The aim was to identify possible differences in intrinsic factors that could explain the discolorations. L*, a*, b* values, and myoglobin redox state levels were measured to characterize the extent of discoloration and the oxidation state of myoglobin. pH value, redox potential, total reducing activity, and the concentrations of lactate, α-tocopherol, β-carotene, and NAD+/NADH were analyzed to identify differences. Significant (p < 0.05) differences and correlations were observed in color values and myoglobin redox states between the control and discolored samples, e.g., a* = 11.21 (control) and 9.42 (discolored); metmyoglobin = 0.79 (control) and 1.01 (discolored). Except for directly color-related parameters, only a significant difference in lactate concentration was observed (3.90 mg/g (control) and 5.60 mg/g (discolored) without a significant change in pH [5.60 (control) and 5.61 (discolored)]. Since lactate is reported to stabilize the color of meat rather than causing discoloration, the cause of the discoloration might be attributed to a multifactorial interaction of intrinsic parameters, or extrinsic parameters during the slaughtering, deboning, cutting, and packaging process. Although the cause of the discoloration could not be identified, this study displays important data on the interactions between intrinsic parameters. Therefore, this study can be considered an exploratory investigation that lays the foundation for further research to identify the causes of discoloration.