Supervalu has launched the world's first national database for pigs. The DNA Traceback system allows retailers to guarantee that all its bacon is definitely Irish, as a reassurance to customers.
The Irish Farmers Association partnered with IdentiGEN to create the new technology in response to the weaknesses of other paper-based traceability systems. In the past pork products have been vulnerable to co-mingling of Irish and non-Irish derived pork.
Martin Kelleher, SuperValu managing director, said “This system is a first for the Irish food industry and provides SuperValu with a unique point of difference – one that underpins the robustness of our supply chain and our commitment to quality.”
The system forms part of the Bord Bia quality assurance program, with Bord Bia and the IFA to collect samples from Supervalu products on a monthly basis, further assuring customers of the traceability of the pork supply chain. All Irish breeding boars are DNA tagged, which is then used to generate a DNA-ID, a unique code which identifies the animal, its off-spring and subsequently all produce from these animals, ensuring it is 100% Irish.
Pictured: Martin Kelleher, Managing Director SuperValu and Ronan Loftus, Co-Founder & Commercial Director of IdentiGEN Ireland.
© 2013 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson
