In a recent post, we discussed how Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) technology worked to provide a fast, accurate measurement of the chemical lean measurement of meat in the factory production line. Using two separate x-ray emitters, DEXA scanners can check meat as it’s passing through the line and easily provide a chemical lean value from which the fat content of the meat can be derived. In addition, the X-ray system can provide moisture, protein and weight value as well as inspect for foreign bodies such as metal, bone, glass, etc.

The question is, “why would meat producers want to use DEXA technology over older, lab-centric methods of checking the fat content of meat such as the Soxhlet method?”

To help answer this common question, we’ve assembled a list of the top reasons why meat producers need to use DEXA technology to check the meat that they produce:

#1: Thoroughness

One of the main problems with lab-based testing methods is that they only check a very small sample of the meat being produced. In most cases, the sample being tested is less than one-half of one percent of the meat being processed, which is woefully insufficient to the task of providing a reliable estimate of the fat content of the rest of the meat.

Rather than removing a small sample of meat for testing, DEXA x-ray machines can check the CL value of meat while you’re processing it. Every last ounce of meat can be passed under the scanner without slowing down production, giving you a complete assessment of your product’s CL value from start to finish.

#2: Speed

Another issue with lab-based testing methods is that they can take hours to complete. The Soxhlet method typically has users waiting for fat to be extracted with ether, boiled, and then weighed to get a result.

The time that it takes to get a result from a lab-based test is time that your product has to wait to get a label indicating its chemical lean value. The hours or days that it can take for a test to complete can detract from your ability to ship product as your shipments have to wait for the appropriate labeling.

DEXA technology eliminates the wait by scanning product in real time. With x-rays, you’ll know the fat content of your meat product before it even leaves your production line.  Because of this, you’ll be able to label your meat product with its CL value as soon as it finishes processing so that it can be readied for shipping or processing right away instead of having to wait for several hours as a lab test finishes.

#3: Safety

With a lab test such as the Soxhlet test, all that is being checked is the weight of the fat in a small sample of the meat. These lab-based tests don’t check for contaminants such as glass foreign bodies or metal shavings.

With DEXA inspection devices, on the other hand, you can check for more than just the fat content of your products. These highly sensitive devices can detect the presence of glass, bone, metal, and many other contaminants that could accidentally wind up in meat products during processing.

The ability to detect contaminants while checking the chemical lean value of your meat products helps to enhance the safety of your products. By detecting and removing contaminants and contaminated products so that they never leave your production line, you can avoid potentially costly recalls and public health safety scandals.

#4: Accuracy

In the packaged meat industry, it is vital to have an accurate assessment of the CL value of your meat products.

The value of a packaged meat product is heavily influenced by the fat content percentage of the meat. The leaner the meat, the more valuable it is. Because of this, you want to be able to gauge the fat content as accurately as possible so that you get paid the best price you can get for your products.

DEXA scanning technology ranks among the most accurate testing methods to determine the fat content of meat. Combine the accuracy of DEXA inspection with its thoroughness as a testing method, and you can have a detailed assessment of the precise CL value for each and every last pound of meat that leaves your facility.

All in all, DEXA inspection technology is an invaluable resource for any company in the meat packing industry. Between the time saved on waiting for lab results to label the CL value of meat and the reduced risk of product recalls, one of these machines can easily pay for itself over time. The savings generated by the DEXA X-ray system will typically allow for a return of investment of 6-18 months.

Learn more about x-ray inspection technology for the meat packing industry today by contacting us here.