eMerge Interactive, Inc. announced that it plans to launch a handheld version of its VerifEYE(TM) meat-inspection system, the same system/technology that is currently being finalized for commercialization at Excel Corporation, a leading U.S. beef processor and wholly-owned subsidiary of Cargill, Incorporated.

"The device, which is about the size and weight of a compact video camera, promises to have broad application in beef-processing plants of all sizes and is expected to close the loop on beef safety," stated Richard Stroman, eMerge's Vice President of Intellectual Property and Advanced Technologies.

"In spite of the aggressive pathogen interventions that packers routinely apply, bacteria such as E. coli 0157:H7 can survive in microscopic traces of organic matter. In trial after trial, VerifEYE has demonstrated its ability to detect such traces, alerting users to the need for further intervention. And that should help significantly reduce the risk of bacterial infection originating from meat processing plants."

Slated for general release by the end of the year or early next year, the handheld VerifEYE units are now being evaluated by several major U.S. packers. Among them is Excel Corporation, a leading U.S. meat processor. Excel has been instrumental in helping eMerge finalize specifications for the whole- carcass VerifEYE system.

"The handheld VerifEYE is an exciting product concept," stated Matt Osborn, project leader for Excel Corporation's Research and Development.

"This technology does effectively see things invisible to the human eye and we believe eMerge's VerifEYE meat inspection system -- both carcass and handheld products -- has great potential. We're proud to be playing a pioneering role in this continuing drive to ensure beef safety by evaluating these additional verification systems," said Osborn.

"In large facilities using our high-throughput, whole-carcass VerifEYE system, the handheld version will be a critical quality-assurance tool -- a tool that trimmers will use, for instance, as an additional check for organic contamination on the carcasses they inspect," continued Stroman.

The economic ramifications are enormous for beef processors, Stroman pointed out.

"Most obviously, VerifEYE could potentially help them minimize their exposure to costly recalls. And that's critical in a market as cost-competitive as this. But equally important, this technology will help them preserve more of the beef that passes through their plants. Right now, if there's a doubt about whether organic contamination is present on a carcass, trimmers don't take a risk; they remove all suspicious areas, which means they're removing meat that may be perfectly safe. With VerifEYE, they'll know where to trim, and where not to," Stroman said. ©