The principal factors determining the organoleptic quality of meat are tenderness, colour, and flavour. Storage of meat often leads to the development of abnormal odours and tastes and loss of colour. Oxidation of the lipids of meat and meat by-products can be effectively controlled with antioxidants. This article explains how oxidation of lipids and deterioration in the organoleptic quality of meat occur and how these phenomena can be minimized by including a-tocopherol in animal diets. Dietary alpha-tocopherol is deposited in muscle and fat during the life of the animal and protects against meat oxidation after slaughter.