US researchers say they have proved that meat stays fresher by a day on average when in LED-lit cabinets

Kansas State University researchers say they have proved that use of LED lights in cabinets can improve the shelf life of fresh meat.

Researchers compared the use of LEDs and fluorescent lamps in meat refrigeration units

Lead researcher Kyle Steele looked at five different meat products to see how they performed in three categories: discoloration; rancidity; and operating efficiency

The researchers measured the rancidity of the meat products stored under both types of light, since light affects the oxidation of fat in meat and thus taste. They measured operating efficiency by how many times a refrigeration unit had to cycle to keep the meat cool and how many running hours that cycle lasted.

The researchers found that LED lights scored positively in nearly all areas, prolonging the shelf life for most of the meat products, as well as lower operating costs, with fewer cycles per running hour, they found

“Most meat products displayed under LED lighting had colder internal product temperatures, which helps extend product shelf life,” Mr Steele said. “Beef loin steaks and round steaks that were stored under LED lights [were shown to] have up to one day longer shelf life.”