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<OL> <LI> Develop, test, and prototype rapid optical systems and methods to detect food
contaminants, particularly contaminants found in the poultry industry such as fecal
contaminants on poultry carcasses. <LI>Develop optical systems to detect intentional and
unintentional biological, physical, and chemical contamination of food products.
A real-time on-line fecal detection system, which consists of a multispectral imaging
camera, lighting, and detection algorithm, will be prototyped. Multispectral and
hyperspectral imaging systems will be used to identify physical hazards in poultry
meat. Hyperspectral imaging in transmission mode will be used with structured
lighting to identify embedded bones in breast filets. Hyperspectral imaging will
also be used with white and brown shell eggs to identify both internal defects such
as blood spots, meat spots, and bacterial contamination, and external defects such as
fecal matter on shells and cracked shells. Hyperspectral imaging systems will be
also be used to identify bacterial and chemical agents in meat and meat products.
Collaboration with ARS Instrumentation and Sensing Laboratory, BARC, FSIS, and the
University of Georgia Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department will be used
to aid and enhance the research.