Value adding and processing of ratite meat: a review

Ratite meat is usually sold as fresh meat (steaks), with trimmings being processed into products such as burger patties and sausages. Most of the steaks are vacuum packed and exported. With the outbreak of Avian influenza, all fresh meat exports were halted from South Africa. However, if the meat has been exposed to an internal core temperature of 70°C, it may then be exported under the Meat Products Directive (EEC 2004) because it is assumed safe for human consumption; this placed an urgency in developing value-added meat products. These products are sold as vacuum packed and cooked ostrich steaks. Salt infusion is frequently used to improve water retention of these sous vide products. Other products that have been developed are functional foods, such as emu snack sticks (higher creatine levels) for athletes. The quality and composition of other more traditional meat products such as sausages, patties, salami and pâte have also been determined and are discussed. A strong emphasis has been to develop products that will enhance the healthy perception of ratite meat amongst consumers. These include the development of low-salt bacon, hams with lower levels of phosphates and polonies with olive oil replacing pork fat. The quality attributes of these products are also discussed as are future trends in the processing trade.