Trends in rabbit meat processing

Further processed products are currently demanded due to their convenience, high food safety and quality standards. However, even if processing industry is pushing more and more towards the introduction of more attractive products for consumers having few time for meal preparation, worldwide most rabbit meat is still sold as whole carcass or cut-up parts. This review will analyses the historical evolution of rabbit meat consumption and main force and weakness factors in relation to the use of rabbit meat to manufacture further processed products. Bearing in mind these considerations, it then describes the more promising technologies to process raw meat materials in order to obtain added-value products by exploiting rabbit meat intrinsic characteristics. Major trends in meat product formulation are also discussed by highlighting strategies to provide healthier meat products meeting current nutritional needs. Finally, main solutions in rabbit meat and meat products packaging are discussed.