Welsh lamb scores good traceability marks in study
Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) recently took part in a scientific study that revealed 100% of the samples taken were confirmed as originating from Welsh farms.
L-R: Oritain’s Grant Cochrane and Gwyn Howells of HCC launched the partnership at the 2018 Royal Welsh Show.
In recent months, lamb samples have been collected from a wide range of locations – processing plants, wholesalers, supermarkets, butcher shops, hotels and restaurants – in Wales and beyond.
Following testing at scientific traceability specialists Oritain’s laboratories, the results confirmed that all the products advertised as Welsh Lamb were genuine.
HCC announced its linkup with Oritain at last summer’s Royal Welsh Show.
A PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) traceability system can now be double checked using forensic-level science to verify the origin of Welsh Lamb at all stages of the supply chain.
“Traceability is a vital element of food safety and avoiding food fraud and imitation,” said HCC’s chief executive Gwyn Howells.
“It’s also vital to the Welsh red meat industry as we market PGI Welsh Lamb as a premium product.”
He added, “Customers have to know that if it’s Welsh Lamb on the label, it’s Welsh Lamb they’ll get. This becomes even more important as we try to secure new markets for our farmers in the Middle East and Asia.”
“I’m delighted that the first batch of analysis from Oritain has confirmed that the PGI system is effective in ensuring that Welsh Lamb is fully traceable right through the supply chain,” he concluded
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