Evaluation of a Sound Velocity Analyzer for Estimating Maximum Internal Temperature to Which Meat Products Have Been...

The sound velocity (SV) values of a variety of solutions (distilled water, saline, silicon dioxide, bovine serum albumin, coagulated beef protein) were determined as the temperature of the solution was increased from 10 or 20° to 71°C. Few differences were found in the SV values for the various types of distilled water; however, there was an increase in SV values as the concentration of saline increased. Level of silicon dioxide or bovine serum albumin had no significant effect on SV values; however, there was an increase in SV values as percentage of precoagulated beef protein solids in solution increased. The sound velocity analyzer used in this study was found not to be sensitive enough to detect the onset of coagulation of saline soluble proteins and, therefore, would not lend itself as an objective method which could be related to end-point temperature of meat products.