July 3, 2012

BioPet Vet Lab develops system for meat tracking

A DNA-based system has been developed by BioPet Vet Lab, which can aid consumers in tracking meat from grocery stores or restaurant menus to the farm where the livestock originates.

The company uses a small blood sample from the cow's ear before it is shipped from the farm, and develops a unique identification based on the animal's DNA. This identification code is printed on the product package.

The consumers can scan the code on the meat product using their smartphones and track it to the farm where it came from, reported Knoxnews.com.

As a part of this project, BioPet president and CEO Jim Simpson has established a new company, Southern Natural Foods, which will sell DNA-traceable meat. The new company is recruiting farmers for the supply of beef.

It has also entered into an agreement with 412 Meat Processing in Lexington, which will provide slaughtering services. The company plans to supply DNA-traceable beef to retailers, restaurants and other outlets.

According to BioPet Vet Lab, the DNA-tracking system ensures accountability and helps consumers determine the source and the quality of the meat.