A practical guide to meat inspection / by Thomas Walley.

  • Walley, Thomas, 1842-1894.
Date:
1896
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A practical guide to meat inspection / by Thomas Walley. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    carcase having lain on its side or back for some time after slaughter; it may be also the result of post-mortem staining, of congestion, inflammation, or extravasation of blood. Diffused redness (dyeing) is seen where meat has been subjected to the action of extreme cold and moisture, as in freezing; in blood- poisoning, and as a result of decomposition, and is caused by solution and diffusion of the haemoglobin or colouring matter of the blood.* A mahogany hue is a blending of red and yellow, and is due to imperfect decarbonisation of the blood, combined with icterus from absorption of bile pigment; it is characteristic of organic disease of the lungs and liver, and is most frequently seen in advanced pleuro-pneumonia and consumption. The flesh in this case is usually dry, though the connective tissue of the flanks may be moist, but notwithstanding this, such flesh is not unwholesome. Iridescence Peacock Feather Glint (i.e., an appearance similar to that produced by reflected light on the scales of a fish, or like that frequently seen on the newly exposed surface of a slice of boiled salt beef, or on decomposing fish), on section is seen under a variety of circumstances, as in blood diseases, pro- longed fevers, inflammatory affections, and difficult parturition. * A uniformly dark colour of the flesh, even though the carcase may on the whole be firm and dry, must be looked upon with grave suspicion, seeing that it is always due to interference with, or arrest of, oxidation of the blood, and, consequently, is associated with the retention of deleterious matter in the blood and tissues ; it is of still greater importance if, as is very largely the case, the flesh on section is soapy to the touch, or pits or yields on the application of pressure. Circumscribed darkness is not sufficient to necessitate the condemnation of the whole carcase. Diffused redness, if due to refrigeration, is of no sanitary significance, but care should be taken to determine that the change is due to this cause, as if it results from disease of organs, or from blood depravation, the flesh is, in the fullest sense of the word, unwholesome.