Overview
The ASTM F2342/F2342M-15(2021) standard provides comprehensive requirements for the design and construction of devices and systems that measure the composition or quality constituents of live animals, livestock and poultry carcasses, and individual cuts of meat. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures reliable and consistent measurement for applications such as half and whole carcasses, primals, subprimals, and boxed meat. It is recognized internationally and adheres to globally accepted principles for standardization set by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Key Topics
- Scope of Devices: Applies to equipment measuring or evaluating the value of live animals, carcasses, and meat cuts-including digital indicators, electronic records, and systems utilizing diverse unit measurements.
- Measurement Units: Devices must indicate and record values in either SI units or inch-pound units. Mixing units within a single system is not permitted to guarantee accuracy and compliance.
- Design and Functionality:
- Devices require indicating and recording elements with clear, accurate, and readable output.
- Recording can be via electronic means or physical records (tape, card, etc.).
- Easy-to-read character sizes (minimum 4 mm) are mandated for primary indicators.
- Communication interfaces must allow connection to recording elements for devices lacking built-in recording capability.
- Physical Properties and Performance:
- Devices must function within standard ambient temperature ranges (-10 to 40°C unless otherwise marked).
- Environmental resilience is required, with tolerance to disturbances such as RFI, EMI, acoustic changes, or ambient light.
- Operational Integrity:
- Error/fault detection with clear visual and recorded messages for invalid measurements.
- Placement or sensor pressure critical to accuracy must be automatically monitored with controls to prevent erroneous readings.
- Marking and Traceability:
- Devices must be permanently marked with manufacturer information, model designation, serial number, and certification details (such as the NTEP Certificate of Conformance, where applicable).
- Required markings must be plainly visible or easily accessible.
- Calibration and Security:
- Security provisions for calibration and configuration parameters are required, using physical seals or audit trails according to specified categories in Table 1 of the standard.
- Requirements for reference materials to support initial setup and ongoing calibration, with documented traceability.
Applications
The ASTM F2342/F2342M-15(2021) standard is crucial for:
- Meat Processing Facilities: Ensuring precise measurement of quality constituents for carcasses and meat cuts to support product grading, pricing, and regulatory compliance.
- Livestock and Poultry Evaluation: Supporting fair and consistent evaluation practices in live animal and carcass inspection, valuation, and trade.
- Device Manufacturers: Providing design and manufacturing benchmarks for evaluation and measurement devices, promoting product reliability and international market access.
- Quality Control: Facilitating traceable, auditable measurements for quality assurance departments and regulatory inspectors in the food production and supply chain.
- Exporters and Importers: Offering standardized criteria that help reduce technical barriers and support international trade in livestock and meat products.
Related Standards
- ASTM F2463 - Terminology for Livestock, Meat, and Poultry Evaluation Systems: Definitions relevant to understanding evaluation devices and systems.
- IEEE/ASTM SI 10 - Standard for the Use of the International System of Units (SI): Guidance on SI units referenced in measurement devices.
- National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) - Ensures devices conform with national standards and provides third-party certification traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Keywords: composition measuring devices, evaluation systems, livestock, poultry, meat quality, design specification, calibration security, ASTM F2342