'Golden Ratio' Samgyeopsal, Identified by Artificial Intelligence... Lotte Mart Introduces AI Selection

Introduction of AI Samgyeopsal Quality Inspection System
All Samgyeopsal Quantities Processed at Fresh Quality Innovation Center
Packaging Container Size Increased by 15%... Easier Visual Inspection

Lotte Mart is stepping up quality control by introducing an AI-based selection system for its golden ratio Samgyeopsal (pork belly).

Since 2022, Lotte Mart has been running the "Freshness Renewed" project to enhance competitiveness in the fresh food sector. The project analyzes the entire process from the origin of fresh foods to display and distribution, aiming to improve areas that can increase consumer satisfaction.

Artificial intelligence (AI) sorter introduced at Lotte Mart Fresh Quality Innovation Center. [Photo by Lotte Mart]

This time, Lotte Mart has designated Samgyeopsal as the focus item for the Freshness Renewed project to end consumer distrust regarding fatty Samgyeopsal. Last year, during Samgyeopsal Day (March 3), some distributors sold Samgyeopsal with excessive fat content, sparking controversy among consumers.

Lotte Mart identified proper fat content management as the core task of the Samgyeopsal quality improvement project and strengthened quality control standards. This is because the main factor influencing consumers' purchase decisions is the ratio of lean meat to fat.

To this end, on the 21st, Lotte Mart introduced an AI selection system for Samgyeopsal quality inspection at the Fresh Quality Innovation Center. The AI equipment, based on deep learning technology where computers independently combine, analyze, and learn from external data, analyzes cross-sections of Samgyeopsal. This allows verification of the lean meat to fat ratio and selection of overly fatty Samgyeopsal.

Lotte Mart expects that the AI selection system will enable more precise and objective selection compared to before, thereby significantly enhancing customer trust.

Additionally, Lotte Mart conducts direct inspection and product processing of all Samgyeopsal products sold in stores at the Fresh Quality Innovation Center. This improves consistency in quality. Management standards have been unified by overseeing not only directly managed products by the Livestock Team but also brand products from partner companies and imported goods.

At the receiving stage, inspection standards have been strengthened to prevent excessively fatty raw materials. First, in accordance with government manuals, the back fat inspection standards were divided into two: 10mm or less for regular Samgyeopsal outer fat and 15mm or less for Ogyeopsal (five-layer pork belly). The number of sample inspections conducted upon receipt was doubled. The standard for the number of horn-shaped trimming cuts, which remove large amounts of back fat, was raised to only handle raw materials trimmed two or more times, and the maximum allowable weight of raw materials was lowered by about 10% to reduce the possibility of receiving fatty raw materials.

The Samgyeopsal product processing focuses on fat removal. Before cutting into appropriate sizes, large cartilage and the area between the 5th and 9th thoracic vertebrae, which contain a lot of fat, are inspected and fat is removed. In the final product processing stage, the ribs from the 10th to 14th thoracic vertebrae, where so-called "tteok fat" (excessively formed fat lumps) forms, are completely cut off.

Besides fat removal standards, thickness standards for Samgyeopsal have been reinforced to satisfy diversified consumer preferences. Previously, thickness was categorized into three types: regular, scored, and boiled Samgyeopsal. Reflecting customers’ preference for juiciness and chewiness, a new "thick Samgyeopsal," about three times thicker than regular, has been added.

At the same time, packaging containers and methods have been improved so customers can easily assess the condition of Samgyeopsal. Folding or rolling Samgyeopsal for packaging is now completely prohibited, replaced by packaging it spread out flat. Packaging containers have also been changed to ones about 15% larger than before, and newly introduced Samgyeopsal-specific containers are used to reduce overlapping areas of the product.

Lee Seung-hyun, MD (Merchandiser) of Lotte Mart’s Livestock Team, said, "As a large supermarket responsible for consumers’ food, we have strengthened quality control and processing standards and introduced AI selection equipment to take the lead in eradicating overly fatty Samgyeopsal. We will only handle golden ratio Samgyeopsal that meets strict standards to provide the best shopping satisfaction to customers visiting our stores."

Lotte Mart Grand Grocery Eunpyeong Branch Meat Section View. [Photo by Lotte Mart]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.