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Martin Kelleher MD of SuperValu and Ronan Loftus of IdentiGEN Ireland. SuperValu

SuperValu to become first retailer to trace its bacon by DNA

The retailer came up with the idea after recognising potential weaknesses in paper based traceability systems following the pigmeat dioxin crisis.

SUPERVALU IS TO become the first retailer in Ireland to adopt a national DNA trace-back programme for its bacon to ensure it’s Irish.

The retailer came up with the idea after recognising weaknesses in the paper based traceability systems following the pigmeat dioxin crisis.

The Irish Farmers Association partnered with IdentiGEN to build the world’s first national DNA databank of boars, to prevent co-mingling of Irish and non-Irish pork.

SuperValu says they will use this system on all its rashers, ham and bacon, both prepack and over the counter.

The program will also form part of the Bord Bia quality assurance program, with both Bord Bia and IFA collecting and testing samples from SuperValu products on a monthly basis to ensure compliance with country of origin labeling.

“The idea behind this system is to increase the sales of Irish product in the domestic and export markets by providing the consumer with a cast-iron guarantee, backed by science, that the product is of Irish origin,” said chairman of the IFA national pigs and pigmeat committee, Pat O’Flaherty.

Last year, SuperValu’s sales included €182 million worth of Irish meat and poultry – the equivalent of 78,000 cattle, 130,000 lambs, 12.1 million chickens and 191,000 pigs.

SuperValu serves over 2,000,000 customers every week and has 198 stores nationwide.

102 jobs lost as Superquinn stores to be renamed SuperValu>

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33 Comments
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    Mute Michael Farrell
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    Aug 21st 2013, 10:25 PM

    Why are Michaella and Melissa wearing each others clothes?

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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Aug 21st 2013, 11:37 PM

    Probably either that or prison-garb.. looks pretty grim for the two of them

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    Mute Nicola Kean
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    Aug 22nd 2013, 12:26 AM

    They clearly still have their heads in the clouds and don’t realise the gravity of the situation. I’d understand if they were changing into clean clothes, but it seems as if they just don’t want time be seen in the same outfit twice. Silly, silly, silly girls!!!

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    Mute Dixie1002
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    Aug 22nd 2013, 4:30 AM

    Such a silly comment Nicola. Because of the clothes they wear they have their heads stuck in the clouds and don’t realise the gravity of the situation?? I for one would hazard a guess they have a fair idea of the mess they are in.

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    Mute Reg
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    Aug 22nd 2013, 9:13 AM

    These girls passed through at least three airports on the way to Peru but said nothing to anyone.

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    Mute aaron mohan
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    Aug 21st 2013, 11:25 PM

    There holiday is well over now

    38
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    Mute Charlotte Mann
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    Aug 21st 2013, 10:28 PM

    Got sick of wearing their own clothes for the past two weeks?

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    Mute Colin Foley
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    Aug 22nd 2013, 2:43 AM

    Keep in mind folk all this bullshite is in the main story in media night, noon and day to keep you distracted from things that affect YOUR life. Water meters, bank charges, data transference act, Serco buying out all traffic lights and wanting to privatize more roads for tolls etc etc.

    The illusion of the media is to make you look exactly where you are suppose to look, exactly like a magician.

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    Mute Stephen Doyle
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    Aug 22nd 2013, 12:41 AM

    Does the bun have its own twitter account like Dáithí Ó Sé’s “beard”?

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    Mute Tiger Bay
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    Aug 21st 2013, 10:50 PM

    Audrey Hepburn just called – she’s looking her bun hairstyle back

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    Mute Stephen Mc Donagh
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    Aug 22nd 2013, 8:34 AM

    Is there anything to be said for another mass?

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