PCR kit provides food proof
16 May 2014
Latest DNA testing service will further benefits the food supply chain, say advisory group.
Food sector advisory and testing firm, Exova, has invested in a range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) equipment designed to authenticate the DNA present in meat species.
Capable of testing for the presence of pork, beef, lamb, poultry and horse, the PCR test tool amplifies fragment DNA to confirm the meat has not been corrupted.
“We can provide documented proof of authenticity
Exova’s OM Pat McNamara
Utilising a MagMax -96 Total RNA isolation kit, the source content or the presence of any undeclared animal protein, even as little as 0.1%, can be confirmed by food analysis staff.
“This accredited capability ensures a high level of accuracy and gives customers essential confirmation of the validity of the meat content of their products,” said Pat McNamara, Exova’s operations manager at food testing facility in Birmingham, UK.
“There are benefits for the whole supply chain because we can provide documented proof of authenticity, avoiding any misjudgement and addressing any potential confusion regarding product contents.”
Corruption within the food supply network has been well publicised since the UK horsemeat scandal which uncovered just how extensively beef products had been adulterated with equine DNA.
