Mérieux NutriSciences Helps Industry Respond to Horse Meat Crisis

Mérieux NutriSciences, an international company dedicated to advancing global public health by delivering a wide range of services to the food, nutrition and environment value chains employs sophisticated analytical methods to support the food industry in the current horse meat crisis and the recent discovery of pork meat in beef products.

21 Feb 2013 --- Mérieux NutriSciences has tested thousands of samples of meat products in the last days to detect the presence of unlabelled horse meat, and more recently, pork meat. The demand for DNA testing has increased since the beginning of the crisis when the first samples of horsemeat were found and it has intensified in the recent days due to disclosure of pork in the place of beef ‘meatballs’ in UK.

Mérieux NutriSciences uses advanced molecular biology techniques in DNA analysis methods, such as real time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology to detect different types of animal species (horse, pork etc.) in meat, meat products and derivatives. PCR is the optimum method for testing the presence of horse DNA in meat as it magnifies DNA for highly reliable results. PCR testing is performed in laboratories located in Resana (Italy) and Nantes (France).

The group has been pioneering DNA based analytical technology for over 15 years, providing clients with the gold standard in testing in its fully accredited, ISO 17025 certified laboratories. 

Within the mission of Mérieux NutriSciences to protect public health, the company can test for residues of pharmaceutical drugs (ie: phenylbutazone) or other heavy metals (ie: cadmium) which can have serious impact on human health.

Simultaneous detection of many animal species throughout the food chain can be performed to detect horse (Equus caballus), beef (Bos Taurus), pork (Sus scrofa), chicken (Gallus gallus), sheep (Ovis aries), etc.

Significant investment in state of the art technology ensures that the group can help clients in the food industry with their testing needs for safety, accuracy and authenticity of their products.

Part of Institut Mérieux, Mérieux NutriSciences encompass three business units – Silliker (food safety & quality), Biofortis (innovation for nutrition) and Bioagri (analytical and safety services). With more than 40 years of experience, Mérieux NutriSciences offers a global offer to answer the needs of the global food chain through more than 70 laboratories located in 18 countries.