Beefing up meat measurement

Australian startup MEQ Probe has announced that beef processors Australian Country Choice (ACC) and Greenham are now incorporating its technology at their processing facilities to measure the marbling of their beef products.

ACC and Greenham’s interest in the technology was sparked when MEQ Probe received commercial conditional accreditation from AUS-MEAT earlier this year.

Unlike cold measurement methods, MEQ Probe’s technology doesn’t require beef carcases to be chilled in order to measure marbling. This allows processors more time to determine their cut design plans to optimise the carcase value and allocation into branded ranges.

The technology can save chiller space and cut down on energy consumption. Working with hot carcases also provides yield and occupational health and safety improvements in the boning room.

Moreover, the information gathered by the probe about individual carcases is fed back in real time, allowing processors to share insights quickly through the supply chain, from distributors to retailers, consumers and producers.

ACC Chief Commercial Officer Merrick Studders said, “The MEQ Probe device has been developed and trialled in our Brisbane factory, primarily supporting our strategic target of delivering a suite of hot objective carcase measurements earlier in our process. The early availability of carcase data potentially allows for earlier decision-making to save time and cost.

“We are supportive of working with MEQ Probe and of adopting accredited technology which focuses on providing objective machine measurement solutions for our industry. We look forward to continuing to partner with MEQ Probe to develop solutions that drive productivity, profitability and sustainability for the red meat sector.”

Peter Greenham, Managing Director Greenham, said, “Greenham is excited to adopt MEQ Probe’s technology to improve accuracy and consistency in beef grading. This will produce process efficiencies for us and better outcomes for our customers as we will be able to predetermine available marble grades for our branded beef programs. Our producers will also benefit as it will provide more exact feedback to them through our online producer feedback platform, Greenham Connect.”

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