Source Verification of Livestock and Meat Products
The U.S. meat system continues to look for ways to meet consumer expectations for a healthy safe product. New technologies are providing useful tools. One of these approaches is known as "source verification."
The term "source verification" basically describes the process. Put simply, it means that the production and marketing path of the meat products can be traced. Technology now exists which enables the actual farm of origin of individual cuts of meat to be tracked from the grocery store.
The technology exists and is practical. It is already in use in Europe. Consumers can go into a grocery store and learn the farm where the animals were raised.
There are several serious reasons why we should adopt source verification systems.
Perhaps the most important reason is to assure consumers of a healthy and quality product. This is not a matter of bold statements. Source verification systems put teeth in the system, so that if there is a problem, the place where the problem occurs can be identified and fixed. So, if there is an bacterial problem, such as e. coli., or a disease problem or even a drug residue, it can be determined where the problem exists and it can be eliminated.
Another reason is to protect producers who use professional, quality assurance practices While some farmers are apprehensive of new programs like EID and source verification, such systems protect the farmers who following sound management programs and help eliminate any who do not.
I think that the greatest benefit from source verification, both for consumers and producers, is that is creates a path to a broad range of quality improving practices. For example, a farmer with a cow herd who sells calves now loses track of the cattle when they go to market. With the use of electronic identification, E-ID for short, the farmer can keep track of those cattle as they move through the system. So, farmers who breed for improved tenderness and leanness, can learn if their decisions worked. And if so, they can demand higher prices from the market because they can show buyers evidence of the improved quality. If the changes didn't work, that know that too and can try another way. Everyone wins.
How does source verification work? The most common method is to place an electronic ID tag in the animal's ear. This tag can be electronically scanned as the animal moves from farm to market to feedlot to processing. At each stage, information about the animal can be recorded into a data base and tracked with the animal. For example, if a calf get sick and is treated, the health product and withdrawal time can be recorded, ensuring that appropriate procedures are used. Likewise, information about the genetics can be traced.
At processing, the EID info is transferred to a system at the packing plant. Typically, bar codes are then used which follow the product through to its final destination. At some European groceries, consumers can take the tag to a video kiosk and watch a video of the farm where the livestock were raised.
For More Information
For additional information, please contact, Lee Meyer.