Analysis identifies advances in meat preservation with natural preservatives and nanotechnology, suggesting they may enhance safety and sustainability.
Meat consumption is one of the most considered problems in the larger public discussions about food sustainability, climate change, and good diet. The extended shelf life of meat and meat products is desired by stakeholders, but preservation is difficult due to the high perishability of meat and its propensity to be ruined by bacteria. Despite the efficacy of these systems, some drawbacks are evident: potential health risks associated with synthetic auxiliary materials and adverse environmental effects. This study examines novel methods of meat preservation, particularly emphasizing natural preservatives and nanotechnology applications. Originating from plant sources, essential oils have remarkable antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making them valuable for food preservation and enhancing shelf-life and safety. Bacteriocins, which are ribosomally synthesized peptides, have shown efficacy against foodborne pathogens, with their stability and functioning in diverse food systems enhanced by encapsulation approaches. Nanotechnology introduces innovative techniques such as nano-emulsions and solid lipid nan dispersions that enhance the bioavailability, controlled release, and efficacy of bioactive chemicals. These improvements partially contradict consumers' need for natural, organic, sustainable, and high-quality meals. This analysis also addresses environmental problems and the barriers to consumer adoption of these new procedures. The safety, quality, and sustainability of meat preservation may be improved by the combined use of natural bioactive ingredients and innovative delivery technologies. The analysis underscores the potential of these technologies while identifying areas necessitating additional exploration to improve their acceptance in sectors and to overcome regulatory, scalability, and cost issues.
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Munawar et al. (2024) studied this question.