GB696373A - Improvements in or relating to the wrapping of meat - Google Patents

Abstract

A composite sheet wrapper for preserving uncooked meat, especially freshly-skinned carcasses, during storage and shipment comprises absorbent fibres adhered to at least one layer of a flexible, extensible, water-resistant film of organic film-forming material having a multiplicity of minute perforations therein, such that the wrapper has a permeability to water vapour of between 0.25 and 2.75 g. per 50 sq. cm. per 24 hr. at room temperature and 100 per cent relative humidity. The water retention of the wrapper is preferably at least 30 per cent of its dry weight. The absorbent fibres may be paper, woven, knitted or netted cotton or rayon, a nonwoven fabric such as a felt, web or bat. The film-forming material may comprise a natural or synthetic elastomer, chlorinated rubber, a cellulose ester or ether, a nylon, polyethylene, or a synthetic resin, especially a polyvinyl resin. Examples of the wrappers relate to films of polyvinyl butyral and polyvinyl chloride-polyvinyl acetate copolymer of 0.001 inch and 0.002 inch thickness on cotton sheeting, woven cotton cloth, and cotton scrim. The absorbent fibres may contain dye, a mould-inhibiting agent, a reducing agent such as sodium sulphite to prevent discoloration of the meat surface. The wrapper may be applied to the meat dry or wetted with sodium chloride solution; the wrapper is applied smoothly and is then fastened with pins, string stitches, or self-binding tapes. The wrapped meat may be chilled to shrink the wrapper about the meat.