World-first DNA certified programme for pigmeat will expose mislabelling culprits

The Irish Farmers’ Association has today (Wed) announced a world first ‘DNA certified’ Programme for pigmeat that will expose misleading labelling and provide a guaranteed assurance for producers and consumers on the origin of pigmeat.

The ‘DNA Certified’ Programme will allow for the scientific assessment of the origin of pigmeat products by tracing actual pigmeat product rather than associated labels. Employing the expertise of IdentiGEN, which is pioneering the development of DNA based traceability solutions globally, the Programme will involve the profiling of all boar samples using a proprietary panel of DNA markers and the development of a database that will contain the DNA of every Irish boar serving sows in the country.

IFA National Pigs and Pigmeat Chairman Tim Cullinan said frustration among pig producers at widespread mislabelling had led to the development of the DNA Certified Programme. “Pig producers and consumers will be secure in the knowledge that solid science is determining the precise origin of pigmeat. The successful implementation of the Programme will effectively put an end to misleading labelling in the retail, processing and catering sectors.”