Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: EvaH on 28/09/2020 11:57:02

Title: Is bleaching meat a safe way for businesses to clean it?
Post by: EvaH on 28/09/2020 11:57:02

David wants to know:

Is bleaching chicken or any other meat product proven to be safe to consume or is it just the cheapest method for businesses to use to cleanse meat? What countries use this method or what countries have banned the use of bleach in meat products, and why? Is there any scientific evidence (short or long term) to support the use of bleach in processing meat?

Can you help?

Title: Re: Is bleaching meat a safe way for businesses to clean it?
Post by: Bored chemist on 28/09/2020 22:41:24

Isn't it obviously better not to get the meat dirty in the first place?

Title: Re: Is bleaching meat a safe way for businesses to clean it?
Post by: alancalverd on 29/09/2020 23:44:14

Little point in bleaching meat: it's difficult to sell pale beef or mutton, and game meats need to look rich and gamey, but chicken breast and pork are naturally pale if you find that more aesthetically pleasing.

Washing prepared cuts with a chlorine disinfectant, however, is a good way of getting rid of most of the pathogens accumulated by handling the product.