Curious spots in beef loin

[WaterRat]

Hey All,
Last night I cut up a whole strip loin into steaks. Looking at the steaks they had unusual dark spots scattered about. I’ve done this many times and never noticed such spots before. Of note is this slab o’beef had a large inspection dye mark - could the spots just be dye that spread? What are your thoughts? Other than the spot the beef looks great, no smell, good texture, nothing to indicate it’s bad.

Big inspection ink blob on right

Dark spots

Closeup right at the knife tip:

 

[bigfurmn]

I'm no expert but I would imagine it's the ink/dye. If it smells OK and looks ok otherwise I'd go for it. Another option, call the store and ask someone if they have seen it before?

 

[in. pred]

i had a friend tell me the other day the buts he been getting have spots in them too?????????? looks odd to me.

 

[mneeley490]

The dye might discolor the outside, but I can't see it making spots like that deep into the meat. That said, I have no idea what that might be.

 

[WaterRat]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I’ll just have to grill one up and find out. It’s definitely a color thing not like parasites or something.

 

[SmokinEdge]

I think it’s bruising. I used to see it a lot in ham steaks from our local farm processor. It basically is a result of muscle tension from the electrical shock they slaughter with.

 

[WaterRat]

I think it’s bruising. I used to see it a lot in ham steaks from our local farm processor. It basically is a result of muscle tension from the electrical shock they slaughter with.

That’s interesting. I guess that likely explains the semi-even distribution as the spots were found through the whole loin. I wonder how it will impact flavor and texture when I grill it up Thanks for the info

 

[SmokinEdge]

That’s interesting. I guess that likely explains the semi-even distribution as the spots were found through the whole loin. I wonder how it will impact flavor and texture when I grill it up Thanks for the info

I’m not saying that’s for sure what it is, but the pattern and dot size sure looks same as what my processor told me can occasionally happen with electric shock kill and it’s random as to where in the carcass it will show up and if at all.

 

[WaterRat]

I’m not saying that’s for sure what it is, but the pattern and dot size sure looks same as what my processor told me can occasionally happen with electric shock kill and it’s random as to where in the carcass it will show up and if at all.

Good as an explanation as I’ve read so far, I won’t hold ya to it though

 

[luvcatchingbass]

I had this written up yesterday but didn't hit post. Basically I agree with SmikinEdge
You can ship those to me for further examination and testing. I will share in this thread my final findings, you know Science and all.

All seriousness I am not very sure but like stated above if they pass the smell test I think you are fine. Could very well be some kind of reaction from time of slaughter, I have heard about deer getting shot in the head with an arrow and they don't die instantly and it can cause funny spots in the meat.