Gilden Photonics, a world leader in the development and manufacture of hyperspectral imaging technology, is to help design a system to measure and protect the quality and reputation of Scottish meat.

Gilden Photonics, a world leader in the development and manufacture of hyperspectral imaging technology, is to help design a system to measure and protect the quality and reputation of Scottish meat.

Quality Meat Scotland and the Scottish Government are sponsoring a £950,000 groundbreaking project led by researchers from the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) to establish an Integrated Measurement of Eating Quality and protect the global standing of Scotland’s meat production.

Clydebank-based Gilden Photonics have won a £120,000 contract as part of the project to provide pioneering technology, invisible to the human eye, which can be used to monitor the quality of produce without the need for any invasive testing.

Over the next three years researchers from SAC will work with experts from Gilden Photonics, the UK’s leading manufacturer of optical spectroscopy solutions, to perfect a system which could eventually be used in abattoirs across the country.

Gilden Photonics have developed cost-effective equipment which uses near infrared spectroscopy to provide a detailed breakdown of the pH, temperature, meat colour, carcase fat, juiciness, tenderness and the nutritional qualities of a piece of beef, lamb or pork as it passes along a conveyor belt.

Spectroscopic imaging collects and processes information from across the electromagnetic spectrum from ultraviolet to infrared. Every object or substance has its own unique ‘fingerprint’, known as spectral signatures, which can help identify materials that make up a scanned object. Using the technology experts can scan a piece of meat and build up an instant picture of the fat content, water retention and other elements which may affect the quality and taste of the product.

“Our equipment can measure the consistency of the meat, the distribution of fat, water and other constituents without even touching it,” said Kevin Lynch, Sales Director of Gilden Photonics.

Once perfected the system could add millions of pounds to the value of Scottish beef, lamb and pork as it will provide farmers and producers with a unique insight into the best types of production and feeding systems as they are reflected in the quality of the meat.

Other parties involved in the pilot project include Scotbeef, the University of Bristol, the Scottish Crop Research Institute, Peacock Technology, BCF Technology, and German video image specialists E+V.

“Gilden Photonics has become an overnight success story and we couldn’t be more pleased for them,” said Bill Hamilton, an account manager at Scottish Enterprise.

“SE has worked intensively with John Gilchrist and his team over the last five years offering both strategic and practical advice to help them become a truly global company. This recent contract with SAC is yet another example of how this innovative company has gone from strength to strength and we will continue to work with them to help them achieve their future ambitions.”