Meat Inspector
Meat Inspector
An instrument for detecting meat quality and defects
Highlights 2024
Meat Inspector joined the DLN network late in 2024. Key results in 2024 include publications that confirm the suitability of our technology for detecting specific meat quality defects and expanding our activities towards diagnostics of muscle pathologies. To develop these digital pathology tools, we were granted a DLN Innovation Roadmap PoP award (‘MeatGuard’). Other achievements include a PhD graduation, the establishment of a first prototype design, and the submission of a patent application. A highlight was the opportunity to participate in the mentorship programme by DLN. Our researcher, Pawel Suliga, is receiving expert guidance and support to build a strong foundation for refining early step strategies of the startup development for ‘MeatGuard’. Overall, being introduced to the transdisciplinary center has provided us with extremely useful and diverse insights that already impact how we approach the development of the two key innovations in ‘Meat Inspector’ and ‘MeatGuard’. In particular we thank DLN for facilitating Suliga’s training through feedback and financial help that allowed him to successfully participate in the innovation programs of the ‘Career Boosters Community’ (best TED-talk), of ‘Merck Sharp & Dohme/MSD’ (shortlisted for final round) and of DLN’s ‘Runner-up Prize in the Planetary Section for the Best Business Pitch (MINI MBA, Oslo, 2024).
Research group
- Paweł Suliga, Researcher, NMBU: Profile
- Lars la Cour Poulsen, Project Developer, ARD Innovation
- Professor Ørjan G. Martinsen, UiO, head of the Oslo Bioimpedance and Medical Technology Group
About the project
The global meat industry faces significant challenges in ensuring consistent quality. Traditional methods like pH meters and color testing tools have limitations, especially when tackling complex issues like "pale, soft, exudative" (PSE-like) defects. These defects can affect about 20% of European pork ham, leading to large economic losses and food waste.
The solution: innovative diagnostic tools
Enter Meat Inspector—a cutting-edge project that aims to revolutionize how meat quality is monitored. This initiative brings together experts from NMBU, UiO, Animalia AS, and Ard Innovation AS to create rapid, precise tools for identifying meat quality defects. Initially focused on pork ham, Meat Inspector’s technology promises to help meat packers and breeding companies efficiently detect PSE defects.
A broader vision: connecting quality and pathology
Meat Inspector aims to bridge the gap between meat quality and pathology analysis, as these are often linked. By collaborating closely with industry, the project ensures its solutions are practical, effective, and aligned with real-world needs.
Building on success
The project builds on the success of its predecessor, Food Inspector, which developed innovative diagnostic tools for meat quality and labeling fraud. Now, Meat Inspector is advancing this work with bioelectrical and AI-driven solutions, including a spin-off named MeatGuard, which specializes in automated image analysis.
Sustainability at the core
Beyond improving meat quality, these innovations have broader implications for sustainability. By reducing food waste and enhancing muscle health, Meat Inspector contributes to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, such as sustainable food systems (SDG 2.4), reducing food loss (SDG 12.3), and combating climate change (SDG 13).
Smarter food production
Through advanced science, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability, Meat Inspector is paving the way for smarter, more sustainable food production.