Public analysts ignore latest DNA tests

The new technology, designed to provide evidence in cases of food fraud, could cut testing time in half, but many public analysts were unwilling to stray from traditional multi-stage processes, claimed the FSA.

"It's no good the Agency developing these methods for enforcement if public analysts don't use them," said Mark Woolfe, head of standards and authenticity at the FSA.

He hoped that, with training and funding from the FSA, more public analysts would begin using DNA testing this year.

The criticism comes as several organisations announced high-speed DNA tests and other services aimed at food producers.

Nottingham Trent University, working in partnership with the East Midlands New Technology Initiative, is offering local manufacturers a test for identifying meats, including chicken, rabbit and horse, using the real-time polymerase technique.

It plans to introduce a test for fish and basmati rice.

Tate & Lyle Ventures has also invested in food safety diagnostics company Lumora, a spin-out from Cambridge University, which has developed a DNA-based test that can identify and measure food borne pathogens within hours.

The technology is derived from a novel version of the luciferase enzyme, which makes glow-worms glow in the dark. The company plans to produce prototypes for a range of firms.

"Given the cost-pressures faced by manufacturers, together with recent food scares and the reputational and financial costs of a recall, this new technology is extremely relevant," said David Atkinson, managing partner of Tate & Lyle Ventures.

l Global insurer XL Insurance, which deals in product contamination, has teamed up with risk management firm Razor to provide manufacturers with a novel crisis management package. Razor will offer firms embroiled in a recall advice, auditing, training and risk management guidance.

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