Over the last two years a group of experts from five different research institutes have been developing a scanner to evaluate the quality of meat. The researchers employ processes based on laser technology that can read and document the freshness of raw meat.

Within the project FreshScan a usable experimental model, comprising an intelligent label and a hand scanner has now been developed. The label functions as a type of running sheet and documents the condition of the meat from the slaughterhouse to the point of sale. Additionally the temperature can be continuously monitored and recorded, ensuring that any interruption to the cool chain is documented. The scanner reads the condition of the meat and simultaneously records it in the intelligent label.

Using microsystem technology, all relevant data for the entire production chain from the producer, to meat processing, transport, wholesale and retail, through to the consumer is recorded. The condition of the product is continuously documented and freshness parameters can be measured and called up at any time. As the concepts builds on two approaches, firstly by focusing on the food itself and secondly on the logistics of the processing chain, the foodstuffs history is transparent at all steps and can be traced back if necessary. Various functions can be selected via a touch screen, which also displays the analyzed measurements: inedible or ready for the dinner table! The functional system is currently being tested and optimized as a pilot solution for pork. After any required modifications have been implemented, it could also be used commercially for other types of perishables.

The German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF)-funded project is led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration (IZM) and brings together researchers from the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut fr Hchstfrequenztechnik (FBH), the Max Rubner Institute (MRI), the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering Potsdam-Bornim (ATB) and the Technical University of Berlin.

Mobile freshness scanners
To test the condition of the product, mobile freshness scanners with optical scanners record data that can be used to analyze the freshness of the meat. The scanners laser beam scatters and reflects differently depending on the condition of the meat. Two different measurement technologies are used for the hand scanners Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy. Both processes provide reliable information about the quality of the meat, but respond differently to parameters such as packaging or whether the meat is frozen or fresh. Both the Raman and the fluorescence methods analyze the spectral signatures typically measured and interpret these in terms of the quality of the meat. The Raman spectroscopy uses a specially developed optical system for this, which includes an integrated diode laser, which emits light in the red spectral range. In fluorescence spectroscopy, on the other hand, the meat is irradiated with a blue laser. The next goal is combining the advantages of both processes in one assembly and to further miniaturize the device, which is currently a little bigger than a paperback.´

The intelligent label
Unfortunately, even if the meat is determined as being in good condition, this does not tell us how long ago the animal was slaughtered goods stored properly for a long time will give the same measurements as fresh, non-refrigerated meat. To find out how old the meat actually is, the scanner reads this information from an RFID label, that accompanies the meat at all times. Using radio frequency identification, the information, saved on the radio chip, is read by the hand scanner. A temperature log can be created from the sensor information stored there. Other processing and transport data, such as time, moisture or exposure to light can also be reconstructed in this way. The intelligent labels can also be reloaded and thus re-used, unlike current systems on the market. Attaching the labels to the meat transport crates generally used in the industry would in itself be a viable option for improving cost-efficiency. Finally, the data can be transmitted wirelessly within the processing chain.