Plant Polyphenols as Antioxidant and Antibacterial Agents for Shelf‐Life Extension of Meat and Meat Products: Classification, Structures, Sources, and Action Mechanisms

Oxidative processes and meat spoilage bacteria are major contributors to decreasing the shelf-life of meat and meat products. Oxidative processes occur during processing, storage, and light exposure, lowering the nutritional and sensory value and acceptability of meat and generating toxic compounds for humans. Polyphenols inhibit oxidative processes in 3 ways: as reactive species scavengers, lipoxygenase inhibitors, and reducing agents for metmyoglobin. Thus, polyphenols are candidate antioxidants for meat and meat products. The cross-contamination of meat with spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms can occur in production lines and result in economic losses. The ability of polyphenols to interact with…