Nitrite-embedded packaging film effects on fresh and frozen beef color development and stability as influenced by meat age and muscle type

•Time needed for color development in beef packaged in nitrite-embedded film (NEF).•NEF extends bright red beef color stability in fresh and even frozen display.•Under anaerobic conditions nitric oxide myoglobin has favorable stability.

Muscles (Longissimus lumborum, LL; Psoas major, PM, semitendinosus, ST) were aged (2, 9 d postmortem), cut into steaks, anaerobically packaged (nitrite-embedded film, NEF), and displayed (fresh, 19 d; frozen, 39 d). Fresh NEF increased (P < 0.05) in redness (first 48 h). Upon opening fresh NEF (d 6) and overwrapping in PVC film, redness declined (P < 0.05). NEF cooked LL had more red surface compared to non-NEF. Meat age influenced NEF color. Intact NEF maintained acceptable red color throughout display. Residual nitrite and nitrate associated with fresh NEF and nitrate in NEF cooked LL were found (P < 0.05) in the outer layer. Consideration should be given to providing sufficient time for nitric oxide myoglobin development when using NEF which may be influenced by meat age and muscle differences. NEF packaging has potential to extend fresh beef color display life. NEF appears to offer the opportunity to display bright red beef in frozen display by limiting typical effects of photooxidation.