Smiths Detection Introduces Advanced Dual Energy X-Ray (DEXA) Fat Analysis Meat Inspection System

Alcoa, TN - Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, recently announced the introduction of the Eagle FA, an advanced fat analysis X-ray system, to the North American market place. The Eagle FA system utilizes Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) technology enabling real-time scanning of both meat and poultry for foreign objects and meat composition. The company offers two in-line versions of the Eagle FA for both bulk and boxed meat inspection.

Designed to meet the rigours of AMI sanitary standards, the six foot Eagle FA in-line systems enable the inspection and processing of up to 160 tons-per-hour of all meat products, whether fresh or frozen. The automatic system includes a rejection device which ensures foreign objects are removed from production. Additionally, for ease of use, the systems also feature a fully automated calibration routine in less than a minute.

Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection, said: "From homeland security to food safety, we continue to find ways to leverage our cutting-edge X-ray technologies in adjacent markets. This new inspection system is another milestone in our product inspection development strategy. The Eagle FA represents a state-of-the-art inspection system for the meat industry which utilizes the same base technologies developed for the security and medical industries."

Brad Mueller, President of Smiths Detection Product Inspection, said: "We leveraged our core X-ray technology expertise in developing this system, also taking into account our experience in the meat industry. The development process was further enhanced by detailed customer feedback and rigorous testing. We believe the meat industry will respond favourably to our top-rate inspection solution, as it will provide a strong ROI very quickly."

The Eagle FA System is the most advanced image analysis system in the marketplace. The system has been designed with key features that allow for overall low-cost of ownership, including a simple low-cost maintenance and replacement structure.

Key Eagle FA Features

• 45 second automatic calibration
• AMI Sanitary design
• Batching and Blending control functions
• Small foot print (6 feet)

About Eagle FA 720
Smiths Detection Eagle Fat Analysis Systems analyze fresh/frozen bulk or carton meat for lean content to within +/- 1 cl. (chemical lean). Unlike traditional sampling methods, the Smiths Detection DEXA technology analyzes 100% of the product. A barcode option allows farm-to-fork traceability. In addition to analyzing the chemical lean of the meat, the Eagle FA also performs weight and contaminant inspection.

SOURCE: Smiths Group