A rapid phase test for distinguishing between carotinoid and bile staining of fat in carcasses

Abstract

In the routine inspection of carcasses a yellow discolouration of the fats is not infrequently observed, but the significance of this discolouration from a meat inspection point of view depends upon whether it is caused by the impregnation of the tissue with bile (icterus) or is due merely to the presence of harmless, or even beneficial pigments of vegetable origin (pseudo-icterus). Bile is not normally present in significant quantity in the blood or tissues of the healthy adult pig, sheep or bovine and, therefore, the presence of icterus in any of these species can be said to imply a pathological state.