040130 Canadians Discuss New Pork Traceability Options

A novel application of DNA analysis that can trace product back to live animals could launch a new era of sophistication in pork traceability, according to industry leaders speaking at the three- day 2004 Banff Pork Seminar.

The DNA option could provide a missing link in overall traceability. Analysing a sample of meat DNA could allow processors to track the meat back to the mother of the animal. That information, if linked to a national live animal tracking system, would allow virtually instant access to animal source and movement.

The new DNA system is well ahead of other countries and could give Canada a significant opportunity over major competitors, says Dr. John Webb, Director of Genetics and Science for Maple Leaf Foods Inc., which has championed the new technology. "This could be an opportunity to launch a 'Canada Brand' pork into international markets, leading to an important competitive advantage."

The real strength of the DNA system is the way it complements the live animal tracking system being developed by the Canadian Pork Council, says Webb. The industry can't claim to have traceability unless it has complete traceability. If there is product in the meat chain from one producer who does not have sows in the database, then the plant through which that producer markets doesn't have true traceability.

Pilot tests for the DNA system will be launched this year, and Webb is optimistic that with appropriate government and industry support, the system could be operational by year's end. That timeframe is important if Canada wants to stay one step ahead.

"We have a window of about six months. If we don't do it, one of our competitors will." Pork producer Dennis McKerracher says Canada is ramping up national identification and traceability efforts in conjunction with government and other parties.

McKerracher, who is Vice-Chair of Alberta Pork and a member of the National Committee, says the Canadian Pork Council is working with other clo ven-hoofed animal organizations on a new national live animal database. They are also developing a national template for "geo- referencing" farms, to track livestock and the buildings in which they're housed. And they have a new national effort testing which animal identifier systems will work best. "We already have a substantial investment in bio-security and in maintaining it," says McKerracher. "Pork producers have always realized the importance of disease outbreaks in their herds and have implemented strong bio-security options on their farms."

Now they must do the same in industry, he adds. "Producers must not only drive the bus, they must own the bus."

Dr. John Kellar, with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, says Canada has grown its pork industry largely because of Canada's growing reputation for pork quality, bio-security and cost- competitiveness. That's why he urges producers to support new traceability initiatives in order to safeguard that image.

"We're asking producers to give up a little independence and a little cost to gain something much greater," he adds. "Producers must realize their farm is a microcosm of national and international markets. The same principles of effective management that apply on individual farms apply nationally and internationally."

Demand for farm-to-plate traceability is nothing new, says Kellar, a veteran of food safety issues. Consumers have been "patiently waiting" for this since the mid-1980s.

The Banff Pork Seminar is the leading pork industry conference in North America and annually attracts more than 700 people from across Canada, the U.S. and Europe.

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