Just What is a Meat Glue?

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One of the reasons why we love dining at restaurants is probably the fact that the cuts of the meat look too perfect.  There are the perfectly round steaks and the perfectly square beef cubes.  The tenderloin is not only perfectly shaped but is just as tender as well.  However, there is a secret as to why they seem so perfectly shaped, a secret that the some of the meat and restaurant industries are not willing to tell.  And that is the use of meat glue.

Bu what exactly is a meat glue?

A Quick Look at Meat Glue

The transglutaminase enzyme, commonly known as meat glue, comes from bacterial cultivation, which is made through the process of plant extract fermentation.  It can also come from the coagulation factor found in the blood of pigs and cows, which is dried and made into powder.  This powder is then applied unto the pieces of meat, and it will work as a glue by binding the proteins of the meat.

Some meat producers utilize meat glue to make perfect-looking cuts of meats; and some restaurants purchase from these providers so as to make their dishes more appealing to the guests.  After all, it is much nicer to look at a perfectly shaped meat than a raggedy one.

Meat glue is used in the following meat products:

1. It is difficult to sell meat of unequal sizes to the restaurant industry, particularly since the latter prefers perfect cuts of meat.  Now, to avoid loss and increase profit, the meat producer will make use of the meat glue to glue together the differently shaped cuts of meat.  They then make it look like prime steak, which could fool not only the restaurant but particularly the diners as well.  This type of meat is called reconstituted meat.
2. Meat glue is also being used by some meat producers in the production of sausages as well as hotdogs.  They use it on processed meats to make them look not only seamless but smooth as well.  They also use meat glue to give the processed meat a very even texture

Meat glue is not just used in meat products, but it can also be used in fish.  Take for example the imitation crab.  We all know that it is made from fish, particularly Pollock, but did you know that meat glue is what holds it together?

Aside from the different types of meat and fish, meat glue is also being used by some of the creative chefs in the creation of novelty dishes.  After all, a simple cut of meat may not be enough to give their dish that creative and unique look; hence, the use of the meat glue.

Meat Glue and Health Risks

With many meat producers and chefs using meat glue, the question then is – is it safe to eat?

There are those who say that meat glue is not safe for human consumption, and here are the common reasons why:

1. Because meat glue is used to glue together different cuts of meat and shaping them into the desired shape, there is the problem of uneven heating.  What used to be the exterior part of the meat may now be located in the middle of the reconstituted steak.  So the exterior part of the meat that needs more time cooking to kill bacteria will not receive the time it needs to cook because it is now on the inside of the steak.
2. We all know that the interior part of the meat is more sterile than the exterior, and with the use of meat glue, this is compromised simply because you no longer know which were the exterior and interior parts of the meat.  Everything gets mixed up.
3. Meat producers and restaurants that make use of meat glue are ripping their customers off.  Why pay a hefty sum for a prime meat when all you are getting anyway is a reconstituted steak, a steak made from scrap pieces of meat glued together by meat glue?

On the other hand, there are also those that say meat glue is perfectly safe.  In fact, the FDA recognizes meat glue as generally safe.

To be on the safe side though, here are some things that you should do to know whether or not you are purchasing glued meat.

1. Do the tug test.  If the meat easily comes apart, then it is probably glued meat.
2. Ask your meat provider.  It really will not hurt to ask before making a purchase.
3. Be sure to cook the meat properly.
4. Make sure that you have clean hands when you handle meat, and make sure, too, that the kitchen is clean so as to minimize bacterial contamination.

Image Credit: meatblogger.org

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