Meat diaper
Absorbent pad in pre-packaged meats. / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A meat diaper or meat absorbent pad refers to the absorbent pad found in pre-packaged (or case-ready) meats. Its purpose is to absorb the juices released from the meat during storage and transportation, helping maintain the meat's appearance and reduce spoilage.[1] Case-ready meats almost always contain one or two meat diapers 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 of exudate 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% of its weight due to this liquid loss, while anything more is considered excessive.[3]
In the United States, meat diapers are food contact materials. As such, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, suppliers using them are required to maintain a "Letter of Guaranty" on file.[4]