August 28, 2007

Irish genetic firm to investigate "mixed up" British beef

A genetics company in Ireland has been commissioned to check the authenticity of British sold by analysing its DNA for South American genes.

Dublin-based IndentiGEN Genetic Testing Services has been asked by farmers to test rump steaks bought in pubs and also supermarkets as it is feared to contained Brazilian beef which is currently banned in Ireland.

Farm leaders in the UK commissioned the research, claiming that many stores and pubs are serving steaks from a tropical cattle variety notorious for its tough meat and poor eating quality. They urged that British beef should have proper labelling and a ban on Brazilian beef imports.

Concerns about South American meat finding its way into the food chain were demonstrated last week when it emerged that 500 ration packs, prepared by a British company for Irish soldiers on training exercises, contained Brazilian beef.

IdentiGEN managing director Ciaran Meghen says the company can analyse the meat's genetic markers to prove where it comes from.

Last month, the Fairness for Farmers in Europe (FFE) issued a formal complaint to the European Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamandouros regarding beef imports from Brazil.

FFE accused the Council of the European Union of failing to act on evidence suggesting Brazilian beef imports could "pose an immediate, real and substantial risk to human and animal health."