DETERMINING FAT CONTENT IN GROUND BEEF VIA COLOR IMAGE PROCESSING

Two lots of beef trim were formulated into nine meat blocks which ranged from 9 to 32% fat. Ground samples (n=2) were randomly taken from each meat block, images were captured in the hue, saturation and intensity (HSI) format and fat content were determined. Patties from each block were manufactured and randomly selected (n=3) for image capture and fat content determination. The HSI statistical function characteristics for the color distribution curves were evaluated. Fat content was correlated to many of the image characteristics (p < 0.05). Image variables accounted from 81 to 87% of the variation in actual fat content, depending on which form was analyzed, and residual standard deviations ranged from 2.75 to 3.62%. These data show that image processing may be a useful technology for monitoring ground beef composition with fat levels up to 32%.