AI for safer and higher-quality meat production

Ensuring consistent food safety and quality is essential in the global meat industry. Traditional quality control methods often rely on manual inspection, which is not only time-consuming but also vulnerable to human error and inconsistency.

For large-scale meat producers, the challenge lies in meeting strict safety standards while improving efficiency and minimising food waste — all without compromising product quality or traceability.

AI-driven image analysis ensures accuracy and efficiency

As the largest meat processing company in Europe, Danish Crown has implemented artificial intelligence to automate and enhance quality control across its production lines. By integrating AI-powered image recognition and machine learning, the company can continuously monitor key product characteristics such as colour, texture and fat distribution. Cameras and sensors capture real-time images of each meat product, and AI models analyse the data for any deviations.

The AI system enables rapid, objective assessments and real-time adjustments, significantly reducing food waste and improving process efficiency

The AI system enables rapid, objective assessments and real-time adjustments, significantly reducing food waste and improving process efficiency. Additionally, advanced equipment inspects raw materials — such as metal, plastic and paper — to detect and eliminate foreign objects before they enter production. Automatic image storage also improves traceability and supports follow-up procedures in case of quality deviations.

Smarter production with less waste and stronger consumer trust

By ensuring consistent food safety and quality standards, AI technology helps Danish Crown optimise production, reduce food waste and strengthen consumer confidence in the safety and quality of its meat products.

This shift from manual to digital inspection has enabled Danish Crown to deliver safer, higher-quality meat while meeting growing demands for transparency, sustainability and operational performance in the meat industry.