Carbon monoxide is injected into the interior of the meat product along with one or more pH modifying materials to produce a desired carbon monoxide saturation level. The amount of carbon monoxide in the added fluid is controlled to produce a desired carbon monoxide saturation level distributed substantially evenly throughout the treated volume of the meat product. This desired saturation level may vary depending upon the nature of the meat product being treated, however, the saturation level will generally remain at less than 100% or complete saturation for most meat products. The pH modifying material is injected into the interior of the meat product either simultaneously with the carbon monoxide, or as a pre-treatment before application of carbon monoxide, or as a post-treatment after the application of carbon monoxide.