Automated X-ray & Laser Imaging System for Detecting Bone Fragments on Poultry De-boning Lines

As Americans become increasingly health conscious, they have increased their consumption of white boneless poultry. The poultry industry is especially concerned about hazardous materials such as metal and bone fragments embedded in boneless meat. Bone fragments and physical contaminants must be removed to ensure consumer safety. This project will lead to an industry-ready system technology for sensitive and accurate detection of bone fragments and hazardous materials on poultry de-boning lines. With the U.S. producing over 46.9 billion pounds of poultry annually and boneless meat accounting for over 41% of the total product (USDA, 2004), the success of this project will have a positive impact on the industry in bringing quality, safe, and cost-effective poultry products to American consumers.