Non Technical Summary
Food safety technology has a significant impact on our society. It helps reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and improve the quality of food products. It can also be used to combat food insecurity by extending the shelf life of fresh food, reducing spoilage, and minimizing food waste. Meat is a highly perishable food and requires proper storage, processing, and packaging. Meat products decompose naturally because of high fat and water contents that render them susceptible to spoilage by both lipid oxidation and microbial contamination. The spoiled meat is hazardous due to microbial growth and the subsequent transmission of food borne illnesses. As a pivotal source of protein and nourishment and playing a large role in ecological and economic systems, meat production, distribution, and consumption must continuously evolve with the best technologies available to maximize its benefits and minimize undesirable impacts.Primelabs, in collaboration with the University of Dayton and other partners, has been working to develop and commercialize a low-cost add-on system that utilizes a smartphone (Apple iOS or Google Android devices) operating an artificial intelligence (AI) software application and a high-performance multispectral imaging (MSI) camera. Our smartphone-MSI system is designed to be used either with modified atmosphere packaging or aerobically packaged meat to provide information about the quality and safety of meat products. In future, we plan to expand the use of our system to a variety of other foods including packaged fruits and vegetables and pre-prepared meals.

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
712	3440	2020	50%
712	3440	1060	50%

Knowledge Area
712 - Protect Food from Contamination by Pathogenic Microorganisms, Parasites, and Naturally Occurring Toxins;

Subject Of Investigation
3440 - Meat, dairy cattle;

Field Of Science
2020 - Engineering; 1060 - Biology (whole systems);

Goals / Objectives
Key aspects of Phase II program, intended for a duration of 24 months, are as follows:TASK 1: Expand the data collection for our project for automatic detection of meat quality of various meat types under both aerobic and MAP packaging.TASK 2: (a) Optimize our AI algorithm and model by developing a computationally efficient version of the ResNet-50 algorithm. (b) Develop cloud-based version of our ResNet-50 algorithm. (c) Update our smartphone application into a professional version.TASK 3: Optimize transition plan/business case analysis. Primelabs will work with our partners to improve our transition/business case analysis.

Project Methods
In Task1: During Phase II, we will expand our smartphone based intelligent decision support system utilizing MSI information for use under various situations including (i) ground or whole meat, (ii) aerobic and MAP storage, (iii) storage at different temperatures (4, 10, and 15 oC), and (iv) different types of meat (such as beef, mutton, chicken, turkey, and pork). We willobtain forms of antibiotic-free meat for a local market and prepare them within 6 hours into sterile plastic petri dishes following stringent aseptic techniques to avoid cross contamination. The samples will be placed into the incubators set at 4, 10, or 15°C. MSI imaging will take place at the beginning and various time points after the start of the incubation. Both temperature and humidity will be monitored to ensure the consistency of the incubation conditions.In Task 2: There are 3 sub-tasks in this task, (i) develop a computationally efficient version of the ResNet-50 algorithm, (ii) develop cloud-based version of our ResNet-50 algorithm on Amazon Web Service (AWS) platform, and (iii) update our smartphone application into a professional version for approval to public distribution via Apple AppStore and Google Play. Our product is designed to offer a simple and versatile solution that meets the needs of various customers.The AI model once developed using a comprehensive data set that includes various meat types would serve its purpose for a long time.In Task 3:Primelabs will closely consult with government program manager, industry and university partners to develop a comprehensive technology transition plan and conduct business case analysis for the products developed under Phase II SBIR grant. Primelabs formed a business partnership with Bodkin Design and Engineering (BDE) to bring the proposed smartphone-MSI system for meat quality to market. BDE will also serve as subcontractor during Phase II to assist Primelabs in customer discovery. Primelabs will be assisted by Larta Institute under technology and business assistance (TABA) support to help with customer discovery, branding development, business and financial model, fundraising strategies, go-to-market partnership strategy, and personalized mentoring services.