Tyson Fresh Meats, a subsidiary of Tyson Foods Inc. producing beef and pork, has partnered up with IdentiGEN to use DNA technology to trace beef back to the individual animal or origin.
Food traceability is one of the top five food trends in 2019, according to IFIC (International Food Information Council Foundation) and Tyson is looking to ramp up its efforts in this respect. The food giant will be making use of IdentiGEN’s signature DNA TraceBack system in order to track cattle raised for Tyson Open Prairie Natural Angus Beef.
A DNA sample from cattle entering the Open Prairie program will be used to trace the origin of individual cuts of beet as they move through the supply chain. The main objective of the endeavor is to assure customers that Open Prairie beef products are sourced on ranches where cattle are raised to meet specific requirements such as no antibiotics or added hormones.
“This is about meeting growing demand for more transparency about how food is produced. Through DNA TraceBack, we’re providing our retail and foodservice customers with scientific evidence that they’re getting high quality, natural beef from animals raised the way we promised,” said Kent Harrison, vice president of marketing and premium programs at Tyson Fresh Meats.
In addition to no antibiotics or added hormones, the Open Prairie product specifications also include no artificial ingredients, 100% vegetarian diet and rigorous animal welfare standards.
