MIJ (Meat Imaging Japan) camera technology is being introduced to the UK to grade Wagyu carcases for the first time.
MIJ Mobile App being used by a processor
MIJ is the globally recognised and trusted scientific leader in the objective measurement of beef, focusing on Wagyu’s all-important USP of marbling, with over 30 years of published research and development.
Demonstration of MIJ Mobile App in small-scale production
Through a partnership with Meat Imaging USA, the Wagyu Breeders Association (WBA) is now ready to introduce this technology to the UK. Developed by MIJ, the MIJ-30 camera takes images from the cut ribeye surface to predict marbling score, marbling fineness, ribeye area, fat colour and meat colour to give an overall BMS (Beef Marbling Standard) grade. Also available as a mobile app downloaded to a smartphone, this device reduces human error by providing an objective view of the carcase.
Typical scan analysis report - MIJ technology provides a vast amount of objective carcase data
This technology has been extensively used in Japan, USA as well as Australia where it has recently been granted conditional approval by their statutory body Aus-Meat. MIJ technology has the potential to create a global standard for Wagyu beef and an internationally comparable grading system for BMS. It can bring your production programme to another level and unite the Wagyu breed with consistent, objective analysis and a uniform grading system.
The potential benefit for British Wagyu is huge. Comments WBA Director Philip Maddocks: “Not only will MIJ camera technology give us a way to differentiate on price as well as quality, but the carcase data we collect will help us improve our genetics as well as our efficiency of production to maximise return. As Wagyu breeders and producers, we can use this tool to change the beef industry as we know it.”
Adds WBA Company Secretary, Richard Saunders: “We have now agreed a pricing and service package with Meat Imaging USA who will act as distributor of the MIJ technology. The process is straightforward with WBA Members first purchasing their own Googlephone (a Google Pixel 4 or one of the newer versions - either XL, 4a 4G or 4a 5G). After placing an order with us, the 'hardware' is despatched which includes a carrying case, cradle lightsource, handle and yellow reference square along with directions for downloading the MIJ Mobile App and the MIJ Carcase Database App. Each user has their own private/unique account to access all the data and images.”
The initial cost, whilst not trivial, nevertheless benefits from the bulk price negotiated and includes all the hardware, software and up to 25 free images, service fee/licensing, training and so on to get Members started. The price for Year Two and beyond is obviously much reduced.
For further information, including pricing, please contact WBA Company Secretary Richard Saunders (info@britishwagyu.co.uk) or see www.meatimaging.com which has a number of videos explaining how this innovative technology works in practice.