December 21, 2007

US livestock cloning firms launch new tracking system

Livestock cloning companies in the US have introduced a tracking system which claims that it can properly identify cloned animals in the food chain.

The system was developed following close collaboration from the sectors of beef, dairy and pork, as well as producers, processors, grocers and foodservice providers.

The programme works through the use of a national registry, affidavits and incentives. Cloning companies will give each cloned animal a unique identification which will be entered into a registry that can be queried and verified by the livestock auction market or packer/processor.

Last December, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) released a draft risk assessment, based on hundreds of domestic and international reviewed studies, which stated that food derived from clones and their offspring can be distinguished from that of conventionally reproduced animals.

Walton said that though there is no argument about the difference and safety between cloned and natural animals, cloning companies would want to accommodate those industry segments who may wish to market only traditional products.

Meanwhile, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) which represents the US dairy industry, said it viewed the creation of the new national registry as a necessary first step in addressing consumer concerns over food products from cloned animals, adding that it strongly urged the FDA to continue the current voluntary moratorium on introducing milk and milk-derived products from cloned animals and their progeny.

IDFA president and chief executive Connie Tipton is urging the FDA to fully consider the unintended and negative economic public health consequences in lifting the moratorium at this time.

The IDFA added that it supports congressional provisions that require additional studies to be undertaken before the FDA can issue a final Risk Assessment as animal cloning is a relatively new niche market technology and people should openly discuss any concerns on this issue, said Tipton.

The FDA is expected to give final go-ahead for the sale of cloned meat and milk before the end of the year but many leading food processors have publicly declared they will not be marketing food products derived from cloned animals.