July 10, 2007

UK cattle group bars zebu gene from beef

The English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX) have excluded the "bos indicus genetics" or zebu genes from its beef and beef products that carry the Quality Standard Mark.

The new requirement has been approved by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

According to John Cross EBLEX Chairman, the Zebu breeds "produce meat with an overall poorer eating quality and more variability than the British and European breeds."

Members of the Quality Standard Mark Scheme are being notified of the change.

EBLEX has said it reserves the right to test for the gene in products carrying the Quality Standard Mark and will suspend the business concerned from the Quality Standard scheme. The appropriate authorities will also be notified regarding any misrepresentation of the product.

More than 2,500 businesses are currently members of the Quality Standard Mark Scheme, including wholesalers, hotels, independent butchers and well-known multiple retailers.