Reddish pink soft exudative defect

One of pork’s four recognized quality grades, abbreviated RSE: reddish-pink, soft, and exudative meat whose color looks acceptable but whose water-holding fails, weeping far more drip than normal pork. Pre-slaughter stress and poor handling raise its incidence, though unlike the PSE condition it is not tied to the halothane gene. The purge downgrades processing yields, marinade pickup, and retail appeal, so calm handling, adequate lairage rest, and fast, even chilling are the practical defenses against it. Genetic selection and stress-free handling are the long-term tools for reducing its occurrence.