Cholesterol Oxidation Products in Some Muscle Foods

Cholesterol oxidation products were estimated in some meat products by capillary gas chromatography after trimethylsilylation. Peak identities were confirmed by mass spectrometry. Freeze-dried pork, stored in contact with air at 22°C for ca. 3 yr, revealed 7α- and 7β-hydroxycholesterol, 7-ketocholesterol, α- and β-epoxide and cholestane-triol. The total concentration of oxidation products reached almost half of the remaining cholesterol content with 7-ketocholesterol as the predominant species. Some oxidation products were noted at a few ppm levels in broiled beef steaks, but not in precooked beef products. As rancidity development advanced in comminuted and cooked meats during storage, the oxidation of cholesterol became apparent.