How Can Consumers Differentiate Between Fresh and Thawed Beef Liver?

Introduction: The Egyptian government imports thousands of tons of frozen beef liver as part of a food subsidy program. In the absence of meat inspection in Al-Buhairah province- Egypt, some butchers may mislead consumers into buying thawed, imported liver for the higher price that fresh liver demands. Consumers need ways to distinguish between fresh and previously frozen liver.

Purpose: The objective of the current research was to make consumers aware of some marks that help them to differentiate between fresh and thawed imported livers.

Methods: A total of 50 liver samples were examined to evaluate sensory properties. Samples were examined visually before and after applying Ghazalah test in which the cut surface of liver is exposed to a continuous flow of water for 10 seconds. Thawed livers undergo a rapid change in color (the cut surface becomes faint in color). An obvious livery odor may appear in the case of thawed liver. By palpation, fresh liver is firm.

Results: Eighteen samples (36% of samples) were thawed samples, while 64% were fresh. Some sensory differences were difficult to distinguish by consumers and need a specialist to identify changes in odor and consistency. Results of Ghazalah test were clear in thawed samples in which the cut surface of thawed liver losses its dark brown color and appears faint in color after exposure to a continuous flow of water for 10 seconds.

Significance: Thawed livers are lower quality than fresh livers and so consumers should be able to differentiate between them; this can be done easily by help of Ghazalah test. Also, more governmental efforts are still needed for periodical examination of beef livers in butcher shops by qualified veterinarians.