Canned meat provides high-quality, protein-rich food that is stable at ambient temperatures and is very convenient. The range of meat-based products available to consumers is large and diverse. Meat is a low-acid food that needs to be sterilized, unless other hurdles are employed. Most countries have specific food and hygiene regulations pertaining to the slaughter and processing of meat, and these and the relevant regulatory bodies must be consulted before any meat products are produced. This chapter covers some of the basic groups of meat products that are produced.
