Patent ID: 7415428

Claim:
A method for processing meat for a customer utilizing a communication network that links a seller device of a processor/seller of meat to a buyer device of a buyer for said meat, the method comprising: receiving a selected specification for a meat product from a buyer device via the communication network with a seller device; processing meat in response to instructions from the seller device to provide a meat product having said selected specification; packaging said meat product in a package; attaching a temperature sensor to the package; monitoring the prevailing temperature to which the package is exposed; transmitting temperature readings via the communication network; via a computer connected to the communication network, determining whether the package is removed from a refrigerated environment and, when the package is exposed to a predetermined temperature outside a determined limit, monitoring the duration of the exposure above said determined temperature; performing at least one corrective action to prevent spoilage of the meat product when the temperature of the package is above a determined temperature for a determined period of time; receiving weather information with said seller device via a communication network; calculating an estimated time of delivery to the buyer from said weather information; selecting a package containing a substantially oxygen free gas to inhibit contact of the meat with oxygen when the estimated time of delivery to the buyer exceeds a predetermined time; and packaging said meat product in said selected package.