March 29, 2006

 

South Korea discovers ways to differentiate its beef
 

 

If South Koreans could not tell the difference between US beef and South Korean beef, its government would do it for them.

 

Tough new measures are in place to ensure Korean consumers do not confuse South Korean beef with US beef when US imports resume in May.

 

The country has made it compulsory to properly identify the origin of beef sold in the country. Beginning next year, it will also be illegal to hide the origin of beef sold in large restaurants.

 

A South Korean state-run research institute also announced it has discovered a way to identify the origin of beef and so prevent false labeling by local distributors.

 

The method uses genetic markers that are characteristic to Hanwoo beef, the National Livestock Research Institute said. Hanwoo, a Korean breed, produces meat that purportedly best suits the Korean palate.

 

The institution's tests revealed the method has a 99-percent success rate in distinguishing between Hanwoo and imported beef.

 

The study would probably end the practice of selling imported beef labeled as Hanwoo beef by local meat distributors. Hanwoo beef is usually sold at premium prices.

 

Most Hanwoo cows are born through artificial insemination from a small gene pool, making the collection of genetic markers possible, said Oh Seong-jong, a researcher at the livestock institute.

 

He said the institute also keeps test markers to identify imports, and that more will be collected for US beef.

 

Methods are also being developed to make it easier for the genetic tests to be conducted in the field, the institute added.

 

Seoul said it will fully open its beef market to imports but stressed the consumer's right to know what they are buying and eating will be fully protected.