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Dublin-based company IdentiGEN has secured €1.8m in funding to develop DNA identification in meat traceability systems.
The Beyond Food Labelling project will see DNA samples taken from animals at slaughter, making it possible to link all meat products to the animal of origin.
A similar system is already in use in Switzerland, where every beef and veal carcase processed by co-op Proviande has a DNA profile taken so that products can be matched directly to the animal it came from.
Irish traceability systems currently operate through the use of labels and detailed record keeping.
IdentiGEN managing director Ciáran Meghen told the Irish Farmers Journal that the current labelling system is inadequate.
“We know from major high-profile issues such as the horsemeat scandal and the pig meat dioxin crisis, that these systems are deficient,” Meghen said.
A Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) audit on food of animal origin found 18% of traceability audits were unsatisfactory due to labelling errors.
DNA profiles can verify genetic traits such as breed and gender, but non-genetic claims such as animals being grass-fed and the method of slaughter would remain a labelling issue.
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