Ameat absorbent pad ormeat pad, colloquially known in North America as ameat diaper, refers to the absorbent pad found in pre-packaged (orcase-ready) meats. Its purpose is to absorb the juices released from the meat during storage and transportation, helping maintain the meat's appearance and reducespoilage.^[1] Case-ready meats almost always contain one or two meat absorbent pads which absorb and retain the juices, blood, and other fluids that seep from the meats, which can be messy, may leak, are often contaminated with bacteria, and are generally unsightly for the consumer.^[2]

Chilling meat can help reduce the amount ofexudate that is released from the meat, which is also known as drip, purge, or weep.^[3] However, it is normal for meat to lose 1–2 percent of its weight due to this liquid loss, while anything more is considered excessive.^[3]

In the United States, meat absorbent pads arefood contact materials. As such, under theFederal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, suppliers using them are required to maintain a "Letter of Guaranty" on file.^[4]

Several constructions for meat absorbent pads have been developed.^[5][6] The absorbent pads are typically made from materials such as cellulose, silica gel,sorbentnonwoven fabric,superabsorbent polymers, or other absorptive materials that can hold a significant amount of liquid relative to their size. They are usually covered in a non-toxic plastic wrapping that allows the liquid to seep in and stay trapped within the pad.Antimicrobials are sometimes included.^[7][8] The pads help regulatedrip loss, and their size is in part determined by themeat water holding capacity.^[9]

Readily biodegradable meat drip pads are available, though in limited use due to their higher costs.^[10] While packaging waste is a concern, the main priority for vendors is to minimize food waste caused by spoilage.^[11]Active packagingantibacterial indicator absorbent pads that inhibit bacterial growth and visually signal meat deterioration are being explored through the use ofnanofibers andsilver nanoparticles.^{[12][13][14][15]}

If the absorbent pads are accidentally cooked to the point of melting, the associated meat should not be consumed.^[16][17] If the pads are pre-moistened to add weight to the package, it may be considered to be a form ofweight fraud.^[18]

• Food packaging
• Meat
• Retail packaging

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