A meat diaper or meat absorbent pad refers to the absorbent pad found in pre-packaged meats. Its purpose is to absorb the juices released from the meat during storage and transportation, helping maintain the meat's appearance and reduce spoilage.^[1] The case-ready meat almost always contain one or two meat diapers which absorb and retain the "purge", or the juices, blood, and other fluids that seep from the meats which may be unsightly for the consumer, leaks, is messy, and is often contaminated with bacteria.^[2]

Construction

The absorbent pads are typically made from materials such as cellulose, silica gel, sorbent nonwoven fabric, superabsorbent polymers. or other absorptive materials that can hold a significant amount of liquid relative to their size. They are usually covered in a non-toxic plastic wrapping that allows the liquid to seep in and stay trapped within the pad. Antimicrobials are sometimes included.^{[3] [4]} The pads help regulated drip loss and their size is in part determined by the meat water holding capacity.^[5]

Active packaging antibacterial indicator absorbent pads that inhibit bacterial growth and visually signal meat deterioration are being explored through the use of nanofibers and silver nanoparticles.^[6][7][8][9]

If the absorbent pads are accidentally cooked to the point of melting, the associated meat should not be consumed.^[10][11]

If the pads are pre-moistened to add weight to the package, it may be a considered to be a form of weight fraud.^[12]

References