Advances in the Effect and Mechanism of Electron Beam Irradiation on Microorganisms and Meat Quality

Given that meat is easily contaminated by microorganisms during processing and storage, a short shelf-life has become the main factor restricting the distribution of meat. Electron beam irradiation (EBI) can effectively inactivate microorganisms in meat and prolong its shelf-life, but it affects the sensory quality and nutritional values of meat simultaneously. This paper briefly introduces the antibacterial mechanism of EBI, and focuses on discussing the influence of different doses of EBI and their actions on meat quality (e.g., color, flavor, quality, and texture), nutritional value, and microorganisms. This review aims to extend the shelf-life and maintain the original quality of meat significantly by using EBI, which would provide a theory and technology guidance for the technology application of EBI.