Id & Trace  UK

                                                                     Providing traceability solutions for meat producers

                                                                                           also see press release 6 10

More pioneering work from Id & Trace   June 2010

     With the intention of improving supply chain conformity, back in 2009, Id & Trace were approached by Cranswick plc. with the remit of developing a food grade slapper tattoo ink.

     Whilst there is no legislation governing the marking inks used on a live pig, that ink may still be in the skin when the animal has been passed for human consumption as consumable meat, therefore should conform to the current food legislation.

     Shortly after, Id & trace were also asked to submit trial slap marking equipment as they claim to be able to improve bad slap scores.

     Both trials proved to be a great success, with the slap marking equipment still going strong five months later with immense slap mark improvements from the very first time they were used.

     The food grade ink, after a few false starts, (no-one had tried to develop  a totally food grade ink to conform to today’s food legislation), has now been proved  on pigs that are slapped within a few days prior to slaughter.

     On going trials are now taking place to prove that the same food grade ink  is suitable for slap marking from 50kg and younger, negating the need for permanent non food grade tattoo ink.

     Three trial scenarios have been followed;

     1. To date pigs have been slapped immediately prior to slaughter. - To ascertain whether the ink would wash out in the scalding tank.

     2. Slapped the day before and as transport arrives (the norm).  -  To ascertain whether the ink would come back out of the skin before the tattoo pin wound dried.

     3. Slapped at 50kg with about eight weeks to slaughter.  -  To ascertain whether the ink would remain in the skin as a near permanent mark after the tattoo pin wound has totally healed. This trial is still ongoing but looks promising.

     Just part of the  Id & Trace ethos of achieving the best identification possible, while causing the least amount of stress to the pig and the stockman alike.

Update

Late in 2010, (following great success in all the trials undertaken),  Cranswick plc has endorsed the use of both Id & Trace food grade slapper tattoo ink and the Professional range of slap markers.

Edward Holt    www.idandtrace.com