The support of meat value chains by genetic technologies

Ongoing meat and food industry consolidation has resulted in the creation of larger and more complex, vertically integrated and/or coordinated food production systems. These systems have also been focused on development of differentiated ‘Value Chains’ as a departure from the traditional commodity oriented ‘Supply Chains’. The main goal of value chains is to achieve sustainable competitiveness through focusing resources on efficiently producing goods that offer superior consumer-recognized value. A closely-aligned value chain often contains vertically and horizontally linked players such as genetics and genetic improvement program(s), farmer(s), processor(s), distributor(s), and retailer(s). In this paper we postulate that the underlying foundation of the success of meat value chain accomplishments has been through substantial development of animal genetic technologies enabling sustainable production of animal protein-based consumer products of desirable quantity and quality. It is plausible to assume that further advancement in genomic selection and eventually proteomics will enable implementation of more complex genetic improvement programs leading to further development of differentiated meat value chains focused on ever changing consumer needs.     

New developments in shockwave technology intended for meat tenderization: Opportunities and challenges. A review

Meat tenderness is an important quality parameter determining consumer acceptance and price. Meat tenderness is difficult to ensure in the global meat chain because the production systems are not always aiming at this purpose (ex.: cattle derived from milk production) and by the existence within the carcass of “tough” primals.     

Application of the novel Droplet digital PCR technology for identification of meat species

The authenticity and traceability of meat products are issues of primary importance to ensure food safety. Unfortunately, food adulteration (e.g. the addition of inexpensive cuts to minced meat products) and mislabelling (e.g. the inclusion of meat from species other than those declared) happens frequently worldwide. The aim of this study was to apply a droplet digital PCR assay for the detection and quantification (copies μL⁻¹) of the beef, pork, horse, sheep, chicken and turkey in meat products. The analysis conducted on commercial meat showed the presence of traces of DNA from other animal species than those declared. We show that the method is highly sensitive, specific and accurate (accuracy = 100%). This method could be adopted by competent food safety authorities to verify compliance with the labelling of meat products and to ensure quality and safety throughout the meat supply chain, from primary production to consumption.     

A multi-national comparison of meat eaters' attitudes and expectations for burgers containing beef,pea or algae protein

Within recent years, demand as well as supply of products to replace meat, so called meat alternatives, have increased. For future products, new plant-based protein sources are of high interest. Protein from pea and especially from algae provide huge potential for human nutrition as well as for the environment. To provide insight on consumers' opinions on the development of new meat alternatives, this study investigated consumers' opinions of pea and algae burgers compared to the traditional beef burger in terms of taste, health, and environmental friendliness. It has also explored the influence of factors such as meat commitment, food neophobia, and the attitude towards vegetarians and vegans; it has then compared the findings between three European countries with different culinary backgrounds. The online survey was conducted with meat-eating participants from Germany (N = 567), France (N = 605), and the United Kingdom (N = 562). Participants in all three countries expected pea and algae burgers to be less tasty, but healthier and more environmentally friendly compared to the beef burger. Expectations of taste, health, and environmental friendliness of pea and algae burgers were negatively influenced by higher levels of meat commitment, more negative attitudes towards vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, and higher food neophobia. Although the attitudes towards vegetarian lifestyles were generally negative, pea and algae emerged as promising protein sources because of their favorable health and environmental friendliness expectations. Nevertheless, negative taste expectations and attitudes towards meat-free diets remain a challenge for the adoption of more plant-based diets.     

Production variations of nutritional composition of commercial meat products

Changes in nutrient composition that habitually occur in commercial meat products in the course of production need to be considered for purposes of production systems control, consumer safety, nutritional information, labelling, official regulations or quality of food composition databases. This paper reports a study of production time variations in the nutritional composition of commercial meat products with different characteristics such as composition (protein and fat levels) and processing conditions (lean-only cuts, ground meat, fresh, cooked, brined, etc.). Proximate composition, fatty acid profile, cholesterol concentration, energy value and mineral content were evaluated. Over the year variability in nutrient composition were generally observed in meat products. The variability of composition (proximate analysis and fatty acid proportion) was greater in lean-only cut products as compared with ground meats. The relationship between fat and cholesterol contents of meat products presented correlation coefficients of 0.809 (P < 0.001) and 0.859 (P < 0.001) for the relationship between cholesterol and the sum of fat and protein contents. Several of the products considered are significant sources of Fe, Zn and K. Production variations in nutritional profiles observed in various meat products can affect the dietary assessment of some components, and also the product's nutritional labelling.     

To meat or not to meat? Comparing empowered meat consumers’ and anti-consumers’ preferences for sustainability labels

An increasing awareness of the impact of high levels of meat consumption on health and environmental sustainability is leading to a growing number of consumers reducing or avoiding meat. To address gaps in the literature, we compare and contrast the importance of the seven sustainability-related labels for three consumer groups (meat eaters, meat reducers and vegetarians) using a choice experiment involving 600 UK respondents (200 meat eaters, 200 meat reducers, 200 vegetarians). Type of meat, price and fat content labels have the largest overall impact on consumer choices. The impact of carbon footprint, method of production, origin and brand labels varies across consumer groups.We subsequently use latent class analysis to identify heterogeneous intra-group consumer segments, based on their preferences, and highlight the socio-demographic differences between them. For meat eaters, three consumer segments are identified (empowered, traditional and price conscious meat eaters). Meat reducers are divided into health curtailers and sustainable consumers, while only one segment of vegetarians is identified. By drawing on signalling theory and the consumer empowerment and anti-consumption literature, we identify links between sustainable consumption, consumer empowerment and anti-consumption and provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to utilise food labels to encourage more sustainable consumption.     

Quality and safety aspects of meat products as affected by various physical manipulations of packaging materials

This article explores the effects of physically manipulated packaging materials on the quality and safety of meat products. Recently, innovative measures for improving quality and extending the shelf-life of packaged meat products have been developed, utilizing technologies including barrier film, active packaging, nanotechnology, microperforation, irradiation, plasma and far-infrared ray (FIR) treatments. Despite these developments, each technology has peculiar drawbacks which will need to be addressed by meat scientists in the future. To develop successful meat packaging systems, key product characteristics affecting stability, environmental conditions during storage until consumption, and consumers' packaging expectations must all be taken into consideration. Furthermore, the safety issues related to packaging materials must also be taken into account when processing, packaging and storing meat products.     

Meat consumption: Trends and quality matters

This paper uses quality theory to identify opportunities for the meat sector that are consistent with trends in meat consumption. Meat consumption has increased and is likely to continue into the future. Growth is largely driven by white meats, with poultry in particular of increasing importance globally. The influence of factors such as income and price is likely decline over time so that other factors, such as quality, will become more important. Quality is complex and consumers' quality expectations may not align with experienced quality due to misconception of certain intrinsic cues. Establishing relevant and effective cues, based on extrinsic and credence attributes, could offer advantage on the marketplace. The use of extrinsic cues can help convey quality characteristics for eating quality, but also for more abstract attributes that reflect individual consumer concerns e.g. health/nutrition, and collective concerns, e.g. sustainability. However, attributes are not of equal value to all consumers. Thus consumer segmentation and production differentiation is needed.     

Investigating the concept of meat quality from the consumers' perspective: The case of Greece

Recent unfortunate food incidents increased consumers' concern about food and especially meat quality. The perception that meat is a hazardous commodity to consume resulted in a stabilization of the, so far increasing, meat consumption in Greece, as well as in the EU. The present survey aims to identify the general trends of meat consumption in Greece, define through factor analysis the way consumers perceive the concept of meat quality and explore by means of cluster analysis the existence of specific consumer types in relation to meat quality perceptions, with clear-cut and statistically solid socio-demographic and behavioural profile .The frequency of meat purchasing and consumption is particularly high, while meat is present in the everyday plate of Greeks in almost any expression of their family and social life. Meat preference is mainly evaluated on the basis of pleasure derived from taste, which has to be evaluated according to visual quality cues (e.g., colour, leanness, etc.). Different consumer types with clear-cut profile are found to evaluate meat quality differently, based on different quality dimensions, such as visual quality, labels and brand name, nutritional value and microbial or chemical safety.     

Implementation of hazard analysis critical control point in the meat and poultry industry

Abstract

Meat and poultry industries today are facing new challenges, with more complex ingredients, processes, and packaging. Consequently, controls are becoming more important as more complex processes are developed. Widespread adoption of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) by the meat and poultry industry should enhance consumer confidence in its products and reduce the currently existing barriers in international trade. The purpose of this review is to present several comprehensive flow diagrams of meat and poultry products and apply HACCP principles in order to ensure food safety.     

消费者食品安全风险认知现状及影响因素

食品安全问题是公共卫生的重中之重,随着世界经济环境的不断发展,食品传播范围增大,食品安全在生产加工、储存、分销等方面都面临着巨大的压力和挑战。频繁发生的食品安全事件冲击着公众的信任,也影响消费者对食品安全风险的认知。对消费者风险认知的测量,逐渐由双因素风险认知理论模型转变为多因素模型。影响人们食品安全风险认知的因素有很多,比如人口特征属性,包括年龄、性别、种族和受教育程度等;接收食品信息的渠道,例如媒体、政府和企业;以及消费者对食品加工过程中涉及的技术和概念的了解程度等。这些因素对消费者的食品安全风险认知有不同程度的影响,对这些因素进行总结概述,能够为有关部门提供未来食品安全工作中可以采取的有效措施,且提升消费者对食品安全和质量的信心。     

Pathways to increase consumer trust in meat as a safe and wholesome food

This paper focuses on the effect of information about meat safety and wholesomeness on consumer trust based on several studies with data collected in Belgium. The research is grounded in the observation that despite the abundant rise of information through labelling, traceability systems and quality assurance schemes, the effect on consumer trust in meat as a safe and wholesome product is only limited. The overload and complexity of information on food products results in misunderstanding and misinterpretation. Functional traceability attributes such as organisational efficiency and chain monitoring are considered to be highly important but not as a basis for market segmentation. However, process traceability attributes such as origin and production method are of interest for particular market segments as a response to meat quality concerns. Quality assurance schemes and associated labels have a poor impact on consumers' perception. It is argued that the high interest of retailers in such schemes is driven by procurement management efficiency rather than safety or overall quality. Future research could concentrate on the distribution of costs and benefits associated with meat quality initiatives among the chain participants.     

Preferences for lamb meat: A choice experiment for Spanish consumers

This paper analyzes consumers' preferences for different lamb meat attributes using a choice experiment. In particular, preferences for the type of commercial lamb meat (“Ternasco” and “Suckling”) and the origin of production (locally produced “Ojinegra from Teruel”) were evaluated. Moreover, we endogenously identify consumers' segments based on consumers' preferences for the analyzed attributes. Data come from a survey administrated in Spain during 2009. A latent class model was used to estimate the effect of the attributes on consumer utility, derive the willingness to pay and determine consumers' segments. Results suggest that consumers' preferences for both attributes are heterogeneous and two homogenous consumers' segments were detected. The largest segment (79%) did not value any of the analyzed attributes while the smaller one (21%) valued both of them positively. In particular, consumers in this second segment are willing to pay an extra premium for the “Ternasco” lamb meat, around double the premium they are willing to pay for the locally produced lamb meat “Ojinegra from Teruel”.     

Consumers' expected quality and intention to purchase high quality pork meat

Expected quality is believed to be one of the most important factors that influence consumers' intention to purchase food. The present study seeks to explore the concept of pork meat expected quality and compare it with self-stated consumer intention to purchase pork meat. The aim is attempted by means of a field research conducted in Greece, following a conjoint analytic procedure. Results show that quality expectations comply with intention to buy pork, in many aspects. However, several differences have been identified. More specifically, country of origin and marbling appear to be more important for respondents' purchase decisions than they are for their quality evaluations, while the opposite appears to be true for price. Finally, socio-demographic factors such as gender, level of education, place of purchase and consumption habits seem to influence perceptions.     

Trends in the production and storage of fresh meat – the holistic approach to bacteriological meat quality

The aim of this review paper is to introduce readers to the modern approach to meat production as recommended by public authorities. No part of the food chain can be regarded alone but has to be seen as part of the whole. A holistic approach to fresh meat storage and retailing must therefore start with the living animal and cannot end with the sale of the meat. It must also include the consumers. One of the highest priority issues for consumers, producers and governments is food safety, and with it, consumer safety. Here we briefly describe the possibilities of keeping initial amounts of bacteria in meat low and modern storage of fresh meat. In future, the consumer must be incorporated in the meat food chain.     

我国肉制品行业食品安全问题及其社会共治的研究

肉制品口感鲜美,营养丰富,是人们日常生活的必需品,但时至今日,肉制品中毒及不卫生事件仍然层出不穷,肉制品的安全问题依然在不断威胁着人们的生命健康,肉制品行业的食品安全问题引人深思。本文从企业管理水平、行业自律机制、消费者监督渠道以及监管部门监管方式等4个维度来论述我国肉制品行业的食品安全问题,并提出社会协同共治的对策和建议。构建企业、行业组织、消费者、监管部门于一体的肉制品食品安全社会共治体系,积极动员各种社会力量共同参与、协同共治,是进一步推进解决我国肉制品食品安全问题的重要模式。     

Situational appropriateness of meat products,meat substitutes and meat alternatives as perceived by Dutch consumers

The development of meat substitutes could contribute to a more sustainable food production system. Although the consumption of meat substitutes in the Netherlands has grown over the last decades, meat consumption stayed roughly the same. This led to the question of whether meat substitutes fit in the same usage situations as meat products do. Perceived situational appropriateness of meat, meat substitutes and other meat alternatives in different usage situations was studied using an item-by-use appropriateness survey. Products were presented via photographs and for each combination of product and situation, the appropriateness was rated on a 7-point scale. Personal information included the consumption of meat and meat substitutes and Food Neophobia. An exploratory survey was conducted in 2004 and an online survey in 2019.Overall, meat products were perceived as more appropriate than their vegetarian equivalents (e.g. hamburger vs. vegetarian hamburger) in almost all situations. Meat alternatives (chickpeas, nuts) scored generally higher than meat substitutes on situational appropriateness. Age and gender affected appropriateness ratings: women and younger respondents gave higher ratings to meat substitutes and meat alternatives. Food Neophobia showed a small effect. Meat substitute consumption frequency was a predictor of overall appropriateness in 2019, where it was not in 2004. Results underpin that situational appropriateness and consumer characteristics should be taken into account in new product development of meat substitutes. Furthermore, meat alternatives like chickpeas and nuts could also contribute to the reduction of meat consumption.     

The animal fat paradox and meat quality

The purpose of this paper is to address some of the paradoxical issues and perceptions regarding animal fats and the related effects on meat quality and consumer perceptions. Meat scientists have been studying carcass characteristics for many years and although the factors that influence the accumulation, distribution and composition of carcass fat in livestock have been extensively researched, the role, value and perceptions of animal fats in meat quality differ significantly in importance between producers, abattoirs, butchers, retailers and consumers. Fat and long-chain fatty acids, whether in adipose tissue or muscle, contribute to important aspects of meat quality and are central to the nutritional and sensory values of meat. In this review the nutritional value of fat, as well as the importance of fat in terms of carcass and meat quality will be highlighted. The 'quality' of meat depends greatly on the socio-demographic backgrounds of the consumer. The aim is to focus on the global importance of fat in the carcass to the producer, processor and consumer. There is currently no clear cut definition for fat quality because the acceptability and perceived quality of fat varies significantly in terms of quantity, colour, consistency and chemical composition in different species of livestock around the world. The association between animal fats and human health is critical and recommendations by health professionals range from excluding fats altogether to a moderate consumption of fats due to their essential role in the body. Recently the emphasis has shifted away from fat quantity to fat quality. Despite these recommendations and years of bad publicity in terms of the adverse affects of animal fats in human health, the livestock industry seems reluctant to shift its focus to fat quality rather than quantity. This approach may adversely affect future meat consumption by consumers who are becoming increasingly critical about the food they eat.     

Biomarkers of meat tenderness: Present knowledge and perspectives in regards to our current understanding of the mechanisms involved

Biomarkers of the meat quality are of prime importance for meat industry, which has to satisfy consumers' expectations and, for them, meat tenderness is and will remain the primary and most important quality attribute. The tenderization of meat starts immediately after animal death with the onset of apoptosis followed by a cooperative action of endogenous proteolytic systems. Before consideration of the biomarkers identified so far, we present here some new features on the apoptotic process. Among them, the most important is the recent discovery of a complex family of serpins capable to inhibit, in a pseudo-irreversible manner, caspases, the major enzymes responsible of cell dismantling during apoptosis. The biomarkers so far identified have been then sorted and grouped according to their common biological functions. All of them refer to a series of biological pathways including glycolytic and oxidative energy production, cell detoxification, protease inhibition and production of Heat Shock Proteins. Some unusual biomarkers are also presented: annexins, galectins and peroxiredoxins. On this basis, a detailed analysis of these metabolic pathways allowed us to identify some domains of interest for future investigations. It was thus emphasized that mitochondria, an important organelle in the production of energy from carbohydrates, lipids and proteins are a central element in the initiation and development of apoptosis. It was therefore stressed forward that, in fact, very little is known about the postmortem fate of these organelles and their multiple associated activities. Other topics discussed here would provide avenues for the future in the context of identifying reliable predictors of the ultimate meat tenderness.     

旅游食品安全治理中社会监督机制

旅游食品安全治理中的社会监督机制主要包括消费者的维权监督、社会组织监督和行业自律监督3种形式。在社会监督机制的实践运行中,存在明显的消费者维权能力不足、社会组织监督专业能力欠缺,以及行业自律管理机制尚未真正建立等问题。因此,可以从采取对消费者进行旅游食品安全维权的宣传和教育、建立以消费者协会为主的多元化社会组织监督体系,以及明确旅游食品行业协会旅游食品安全自律管理的法定义务等层面,保证相关社会监督机制的顺利运作,为消费者获得安全的旅游食品提供可靠的社会监督保障。