USA – World’s leading meat and poultry processor, Tyson Foods has partnered with DNA diagnostics company, IdentiGEN to use DNA technology to trace beef back to the individual animal of origin.

Tyson’s beef and pork subsidiary, Tyson Fresh Meats will utilize IdentiGEN’s signature DNA TraceBack® system to trace the cattle raised for Tyson’s Open Prairie® Natural Angus Beef.

The DNA TraceBack process uses a DNA sample from cattle entering the Open Prairie program to trace the origin of individual cuts of beef as they move through the supply chain.

The program is set to assure customers that the beef is sourced from livestock that meet specific requirements, such as no antibiotics ever and no added hormones.

“This is about meeting growing demand for more transparency about how food is produced,” said Kent Harrison, vice president of marketing and premium programs at Tyson Fresh Meats.

“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.”

Traceability, the new big thing

Tyson’s Open Prairie® Natural Pork brand offers shoppers a wholesome, tender and delicious pork product that’s raised naturally with no added hormones or antibiotics.

The brand is continually expanding to meet growing demand for the natural beef line.

According to the company, the product specifications, which are third-party verified include no artificial ingredients, 100% vegetarian diet, traceability to the birth ranch, Angus beef, USDA Prime and Choice and rigorous animal welfare standards.

Tyson Foods is investing in blockchain technology to increase transparency and traceability and in 2018, it partnered FoodLogiQ to accelerate its traceable supply chain agenda.

“We’re excited to partner with an industry leader like Tyson Fresh Meats,” said Kent Partida, vice president of North American business development for IdentiGEN.

“Our DNA TraceBack program is the most advanced meat traceability system available and uses nature’s barcode to link meat from the point of sale back to the source.

It will enable retail and foodservice customers of Open Prairie beef to confidently share their traceability story with shoppers.”