Exporters could gain from new technology

New DNA technology, which traces meat back to the animal that produced it, could see exporters adding premiums of up to 5% to their prices, according to scientists in New Zealand.

Agresearch says it has discovered a new way of using DNA testing to trace the origin of meat, in products that may contain meat from different sources, such as meat patties. The process involves getting DNA data on all the animals that may have contributed the meat used to make a pattie, and then cross references it with DNA information from the actual pattie.

Grant Shackell from Agresearch commented: "Many export markets want to be able to trace meat products back to the animal, to guarantee they're safe and disease-free. Exporters could charge more to provide such information."

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