Abstract: A device for separating bony material, such as a rib, from a meat piece, for example a half belly piece, comprising a frame (1), wherein the meat piece is fixed,at least one carrier (2) supported by the frame,an elongate element (3) formed into a loop, a portion of which is arranged movably in the carrier, anddrive means (23) connected to the carrier (2) for setting the element (3) into movement relative to the carrier, such that said loop-shaped elongate element can be arranged around a rib by placing it from one end thereof into the meat piece and moving it along the rib, whereas simultaneously a tensile force perpendicularly onto the rib is exerted, whereupon the rib piece can be separated from the meat and membranes and owing to the loop-shaped element as much meat as possible will remain behind in the meat piece.