Method for cutting food products into portions

A method of controlling processing apparatus to divide a food product log into separate portions and cook the portions, the apparatus including a sensing arrangement, a cutting machine for cutting portions from an end of the product log, a cooker downstream of the cutting machine, and a weighing device downstream of the cooker, wherein the method comprises:

• storing in a controller a cook-out parameter that is a factor indicating the extent to which a cut portion will change weight during cooking;
• using the cutting machine to cut portions from the end of the product log under the control of the controller, the cuts creating new exposed ends of the product log;
• using the sensing arrangement to sense the fat content exposed at the new exposed ends of the product log;
• and output a fat content signal to the controller that is dependent on the sensed fat content;
• cooking the cut portions with the cooker;
• using the weighing device to weigh cooked portions and send a weight feedback signal to the controller;
• changing the cook-out parameter as the cutting progresses and the new exposed ends of the product log are created, in response to the fat content signal and the weight feedback signal;
• and
• changing the slice thickness with reference to the cook-out parameter as the cutting progresses and the new exposed ends of the product log are created.