Measuring the color
of Meat
Color is a vital component that determines the perception of the overall quality of meat. Understanding the changes in meat color under various conditions and implementing methods to measure color stability has become a finely tuned science and necessity in the meat marketing business. HunterLab provides the color measurement solutions required to meet the quality standards of visual perception for meat. Our unparalleled color measuring instruments give producers quantitative standardization values to accurately and repeatedly evaluate quality and reduce wastage.
Why measure the color of meat?
Meat color can be a significant indicator of quality and is mainly determined by myoglobin, the telltale red pigment. It can be affected by various variables, including animal species, muscle type, animal nutrition, thickness, storage environment, processing, packaging, and lighting. Since changes in meat color involve the concentration of myoglobin and its response to oxidization, it is essential to monitor color throughout production, as effects on color can vary throughout processing, packaging, and storage.
Accounting for these changes with suitable color measurement devices can help ensure that consumers perceive the meat as good quality and safe to eat. Color perception can give consumers preconceived notions about whether the meat will taste good. Spectrophotometers can measure myoglobin using precise color variations to help determine the shelf life of muscle food products.
The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) standards require color analysis instrumentation to ensure the quality and safety of meat products. All meats, whether fresh or processed, refrigerated or frozen, require objective color analysis to meet industry standards and guidelines on product quality.
HunterLab’s line of color measurement tools and spectrophotometers meets the needs of the meat industry. We work closely with leaders in meat science research and are continually developing technology to help our customers remain competitive.
Check out these solutions for measuring the color of meat
These are the color measuring instruments for meat that our customers are having great success with:
The HunterLab Advantage
Major corporations and agricultural meat producers depend on HunterLab instrumentation to meet their color analysis needs. HunterLab spectrophotometers are specifically designed for use in the farming and meat production industries, from extensive production plant monitoring to research and testing methods.
Our team of experts is here to help you find the proper instrumentation to meet standards and regulations and ensure the highest product quality. For more information on our line of spectrophotometers, contact us today.