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New DNA project will address a number of gaps within the UK’s beef market (Photo: Claire Simonetta) A NEW DNA traceability platform could trace British beef back to the animal s ear tag and farm of origin. A pilot project has been launched to look at the potential for DNA traceability through the UK’s complex beef supply chain – with the first samples taken this week. AHDB has teamed up with industry to test a robust and scientifically verified traceability platform which could provide greater protection and value both at home and for the growing export market. If successful, the pilot project will give consumers greater transparency around livestock farming and animal welfare as well as the ability to confirm the provenance of products served up in foodservice and manufacturing sectors in the UK.
By Kevin White2021-02-05T10:01:00+00:00
The trial will run until the end of March
A new pilot project to investigate the viability of a DNA traceability system for the UK’s beef supply chain has been launched by AHDB, with the first samples taken this week.
The levy board has teamed up with industry to test “a robust and scientifically verified traceability platform” that could provide “greater protection and value both at home and for the growing export market”.
The move follows a series of controversies in recent years over the provenance of beef, ranging from the horsegate scandal in 2013 to the collapse of meat wholesaler Russell Hume in 2018, following a scandal over allegations of mislabelled meat.
The new DNA test should be able to trace all meat in processed foods to their country of origin A new pilot project has been launched to look at the potential for DNA traceability system through the UK’s complex beef supply chain – with the first samples taken this week. AHDB has teamed up with industry to test a robust and scientifically verified traceability platform which could provide greater protection and value both at home and for the growing export market. DNA traceability offers the potential to identify and trace all beef back to the British animal ear tag and farm of origin with the precision and accuracy of science, even for complex supply chains such as ready meal production.