NSA leads pioneering meat traceability project

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is launching a pioneering meat traceability project, set to identify sheepmeat by breed, age and the location where it grazed.

The project is run in partnership with Bia Analytical, which will analyse meat samples using a mass spectrometer to identify the pattern of phospholipids, which can act as a fingerprint.

Each piece of meat will have a unique profile based on species, breed, feed, age, geographic location and flavour profile.

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“There are many varieties of apples available, yet sheepmeat is very rarely advertised as anything more than ‘lamb’,” said NSA project manager Nicola Noble.

“We should be embracing diversity within the UK sheep sector and allow the public to appreciate the different flavours, tastes and textures that come from the diversity.”

Tracing heritage 

Until now, this level of detail hasn’t been available, the NSA says, because of the lack of affordable and commercially viable technology to trace the heritage of meat.

The first phase of the project is to prove the concept of using blockchain “distributed ledger” technology for food traceability with a short and moderately simple supply chain.

“The outcome should progress to a larger piece of work to develop a simple-to-use meat traceability system, giving confidence to consumers and those within the supply chain that claims made of meat are genuinely as they are described,” added Mrs Noble.

Similar work is being carried out by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), which works with Oritain to underpin the PGI status of Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef. 

Oritain’s technology analyses trace elements and isotopes, which animals absorb from their natural environment and the grass and water they consume, to establish a distinctive Welsh “fingerprint of origin”.

The technology is said to add an extra level of assurance and integrity to the Welsh brands and the supply chain.

Getting involved

The NSA project is just getting and it is looking for farmers to take part.

Breeds being used for the feasibility phase of the project are Swaledales in the Yorkshire Dales, Herdwicks in Cumbria and Scottish Blackfaces in Scotland.

Meat samples of lamb, hogget and mutton will be required from project participants and remuneration is being offered to cover sample postage and participation.

If you keep these breeds within these geographical locations and would be interested in being involved, contact Anna Wilson, NSA technical communications officer, at anna@nationalsheep.org.uk.