Boulder, Colorado-based Analytical Spectral Devices, Inc. has released a commercial application for the accurate real-time prediction of tenderness in beef.

Working with ASD, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), researchers have spearheaded the design and development of the QualitySpec BT (beef tenderness) system.

A company news release says the system took decades to develop and represents ground-breaking and non-invasive technology that enables beef processors to accurately predict meat tenderness quality in real-time at the processing plant, before distribution to consumer outlets.

The technology utilizes an Infrared instrument that is integrated into the processing system. Beef processors can read the ribeye at a cut between the 13th and 14th ribs, and then more accurately predict the overall tenderness of that carcass while still on the processing line, thereby creating a new standard for beef quality assurance.

“Right now, neither Select nor Choice cuts of beef can be guaranteed tender. From extensive USDA research, tenderness is the most sought-after guarantee for all levels of the meat industry's sales cycle, and surveys show that consumers are willing to pay a premium for meat that is guaranteed tender,” said ASD's Director of Business Development Michael Lands in a company news release. "The processor now has a real-time indicator of the value of the product so they can determine how to brand and price it. QualitySpec guaranteed tender meat will allow retailers to differentiate themselves with higher standards, and let consumers know that they're spending their money wisely on a guaranteed tender piece of meat."

The company says the QualitySpec BT system was successfully installed at a major meat production facility earlier this year, and has been in commercial production for several months.