PSE Meat

Pale, soft, exudative meat, or PSE meat, describes a carcass quality condition known to occur in both pork and poultry. It is characterized by an abnormal color, consistency, and water holding capacity, making the meat dry and unattractive to consumers. The condition is believed to be caused by abnormal muscle metabolism following slaughter, due to an altered rate of glycolysis and a low pH within the muscle fibers. Genetic predispositions and stress levels prior to slaughter are known to affect the incidence of PSE meat.