Mercadona, one of the supermarket chains with greater confidence among the Spaniards, not only stands out for its variety of products, but also for the transparency with which it explains details that go unnoticed by many customers. One of them is the function of the pads that are included in the packed meat trays.
Because at first glance we only see the piece of vacuum packed meat or covered with film, at the bottom of the container a small element that fulfills a key function is hidden: the absorbent pad. The Valencian company wanted to clarify its usefulness for better understanding why it is a fundamental component in the conservation of food.
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What is the absorbent pad of the Mercadona meat tray?
We talk about what are small absorbents, those that are located at the base of the container and that reach an essential role: they retain the juices that the meat gives off during their conservation and transport. Thanks to these, it is possible to maintain the freshness of the product, such as chicken, veal and other meats, for longer and the risk of bacteria is minimized, thus guaranteeing greater food security.
The presence of juices in the container is not only unattractive in view, but it can also become a focus of bacteria if it is not controlled. By retaining that moisture, the pad allows the meat to be fresh for a longer time, contributing to the meat arriving in better conditions when it comes to the table once cooked.
The pads keep the meat fresh and avoid bacteria
The fact that the pads collect a good part of the liquid that leaves the meat, makes the packaging foods cook better. The product, with fair liquids, is tastier. In addition, liquids do not stay in the pan.
Manufactured with safe materials for direct contact with food, they are usually composed of cellulose and polymers with great absorption capacity. Its mission is clear: keep the tray dry and clean, reducing possible cross contamination and offering a safer product.
At the same time, from Mercadona it is also specified that in the event that they are accidentally cooked together with the meat, the product should not be consumed. The cooking of the pads could release toxic or unwanted substances in food, compromising the safety and quality of the prepared dish. The reason, of course, is that this is not designed to be ingested or to come into contact with high temperatures.
Mercadona recalls that the pads “are not edible”
In this way, Mercadona explains that the pads “are suitable for contact with food”, although it maintains that “they are not edible.” For this reason, the company warns customers: “In the event that they have cooked together with the meat it is recommended not to consume the product.”
As a advice, the Valencian supermarket chain chaired by Juan Roig points out that it can be frozen in the same tray, but that for a better freezing it is recommended to take out of it and wrap in film paper or with specific materials for it as freezing bags or containers destined for that same purpose. It goes without saying that the product “must freeze within its useful life and consume in a maximum of 24 hours once defrosted,” concludes the company.