Scots look to DNA to protect beef

A study to look at the feasibility of introducing DNA traceability as an additional measure to guarantee the authenticity of Scotch Beef PGI is being commissioned by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). The study follows a period of engagement with different parts of the Scottish meat industry to gauge the level of industry support for the potential introduction of an official program of DNA traceability system. Jim McLaren, chairman of QMS, said the organization has worked hard alongside the Scottish red meat industry to develop the Scotch Beef PGI brand, “Which is now recognized throughout the world as an icon of quality.” To carry the Scottish red meat industry’s premium brands Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI, cattle and sheep must have been born, reared and slaughtered in Scotland and spent their entire life on QMS Scotch Assured holdings. Emphasizing that there are many steps already in place to prevent fraud at present, McLaren said the introduction of a DNA monitoring program would further strengthen the checks already in place to underpin the integrity of the Scotch Beef PGI brand. — WLJ