Why Some Chicken Looks Pinker Than Usual
Effect of automobile exhaust fume inhalation by poultry immediately prior to slaughter on color of meat.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Birds exposed to exhaust had bright red blood due to carboxyhemoglobin, and their meat turned pink due to carboxymyoglobin—both caused by the same pollutants.
Most assume meat color changes are due to aging or additives, not airborne pollution during transport. This shows environmental exposure directly alters food chemistry.
Practical Takeaways
If you see unusually pink poultry, consider it might be due to exhaust exposure—not freshness—and check expiration dates or buy from trusted sources with transparent transport practices.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Birds exposed to exhaust had bright red blood due to carboxyhemoglobin, and their meat turned pink due to carboxymyoglobin—both caused by the same pollutants.
Most assume meat color changes are due to aging or additives, not airborne pollution during transport. This shows environmental exposure directly alters food chemistry.
Practical Takeaways
If you see unusually pink poultry, consider it might be due to exhaust exposure—not freshness—and check expiration dates or buy from trusted sources with transparent transport practices.
Publication
Journal
Poultry science
Year
1969
Authors
G. Froning, F. B. Mather, J. Daddario, T. Hartung
Related Content
Claims (2)
When meat is exposed to carbon monoxide, it turns and stays red—even if it's going bad—so it looks fresh longer, even though bacteria might already be growing inside.
If chickens breathe in car fumes before they’re slaughtered, their meat might turn pinker than normal because chemicals in the exhaust mix with the meat’s natural pigments.