Beef marbling measurement tool gets accreditation tick

Australian Agtech startup MEQ Probe has received accreditation for its ‘hot carcase’ marbling measurement technology for beef, just three months after its lamb accreditation.

In February after stringent independent testing, the MEQ Probe technology was accredited by industry peak body AUS-MEAT, for accurate measurement between the 100–1200 MSA point range for beef. The technology has the ability to measure both intramuscular fat (IMF) in lamb and marbling in beef.

Marbling is considered one of the most significant aspects impacting the quality and value of meat. It refers to the small flecks of fat distributed throughout the muscle in beef and is currently measured using cold marbling measures where fat deposits and distribution on a cut surface of chilled beef is visually assessed by processing plant graders or grading professionals.

Current marbling measurement methods can present some inefficiencies, including: losing valuable time that could be used to create thorough cut design plans; using energy to chill carcases; losing space in chillers; and potential grading inaccuracies due to human error and subjective judgement.

MEQ Probe’s newly accredited hot measure solution is designed to give processors 10x the time to determine their cut design plan and can help to save on energy and chiller space. The hot measure prevents the need for extended chilling, which can provide WHS improvements in the boning room. Information about individual carcase is also provided in real time, allowing processors to share insights quickly through the supply chain — distributors, retailers, consumers and farmers.

MEQ Probe Beef Probe Gun.

The solution works using spectral analysis on a carcase-by-carcase basis coupled with machine learning to provide meat processors with an objective real-time measure for meat quality.

The accreditation of the company’s beef marbling probe comes after processors Australian Country Choice (ACC) and Teys Australia partnered with the company to help the development of the probe over the last 12 months.

MEQ Probe CEO Remo Carbone said Australia produces approximately 2.4 tonnes of beef a year, 76% of which is exported. “Our beef quality is a point of pride and with consumers becoming increasingly discerning when it comes to product quality, having an accurate, scientifically backed measure of meat marbling is critical. Our accreditation puts Australia at a distinct advantage and opens doors for what producers and processors can do in terms of branding and premium price targeting.”

MEQ Probe CEO Remo Carbone.

“We are beyond thrilled to have received accreditation from AUS-MEAT and to work with all those in the beef supply chain to make digitised marbling measurement the standard for the industry. However, MEQ Probe will continue to push the limits of our technology and work to bring even more value and understanding about the red meat we eat. We have a lot planned for 2022.”

Top image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Natalia Lisovskaya