Microbial meat spoilage causes significant food losses, but understanding the types of bacteria involved is crucial for preventing spoilage and developing preservation methods. The study redefined the main spoilage bacteria based on their strength in spoiling meat. It also identified sources of contamination during meat processing and highlighted the spoilage traits and mechanisms of these bacteria. By studying the genetic makeup, metabolic pathways, and enzymes produced by spoilage bacteria, researchers gained insights into how these microbes spoil meat during storage.