Abstract: Different processing steps may influence physicochemical properties and nutritional value of meat products, and even produce some compounds that are detrimental to human health. Thermal treatment, for instance, has been observed to increase free radical contents and reduce antioxidant capacity in meat systems, both of which contribute to protein oxidation. Some meat processing and preservation methods may promote protein oxidation and then affect the sensory quality of meat products, and even accelerate the quality deterioration. Thus, this article discusses the impact of common meat processing and preservation methods and related new technologies on protein oxidation as well as the adverse effects of protein oxidation on human health, with the aim to provide a reference for further studies on protein oxidation during meat processing and preservation and the development of reasonable food processing technologies.

Key words: meat, protein oxidation, processing and preservation techniques, human health