title: The use of video image analysis for quantitative measurement of fatness in meat: Part 2-Comparison of VIA, visual assessment and total chemical fat estimation in a commercial environment.
abstract: The use of video image analysis as a predictor of visual fat and lean has been tested in a commercial environment. Results from scanning a 2250 kg consignment of beef showed that the system is reliable and the results reproducible. After pre-breaking, the whole sample was rapidly measured. Scanning of frozen slices produced values only 1% different from those obtained from the pre-broken meat. Scanning small samples (less than 25% of the total) was not representative of the total consignment because of the material variability. Fat measurements determined by VIA were considerably different from those obtained by visual assessment. At the same time, the inconsistency of conventional commercial sampling techniques was highlighted. The relationship between VIA and total chemical fat was also investigated. Once corrections had been made for the non-visible fat content of the meat, VIA results were comparable with chemical fat analysis for any given cut.
authors: Meat Research Institute, Langford, Near Bristol BS18 7DY, Great Britain.
authors: P B
authors: PB
authors: Newman