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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th September 2013
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British pork traceability enhanced

New system to rigorously test pork labelled as British

A new, scientifically-based system has been introduced to enhance the traceability and integrity of Red Tractor pork's origin.

The system has undergone extensive research, as well as two years of development and rigorous testing, in order to confirm that all pork labelled as British is actually from Britain.

Not only will the new system, called Stable Isotope Reference Analysis (SIRA), increase trust throughout the supply chain, it will also provide additional confidence in Red Tractor pork for consumers.

Believed to be the first time SIRA has been used in the UK food industry, it works via a database of samples extracted from pork taken from known UK locations and comparing them to retail pork samples.

This process will determine whether or not the pork comes from the UK. Any pork labelled as British that has a low probability of matching the database is subjected to a detailed traceability audit.

The system will be in addition to the audit trial already in place, and is intended to include testing of bacon and ham in the near future. Thereafter, SIRA will be extended to the whole foodservice sector.

Mick Sloyan, director of BPEX, the organisation behind the new pork system, said: "By embracing the SIRA system, the UK pig industry has again demonstrated its willingness to employ the latest techniques to ensure that consumers can have every confidence in the quality and integrity of assured pork."

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.