Aviv Cahana, Avi Tal,Michal Kam, Yitzchak Skalski - BACTOCHEM Ltd, Ness-Ziona, Israel

Traceability is the ability to follow the history of food throughout the production, processing and distribution chain by means of recorded identification. The crisis of the "Mad Cow Disease" led countries that produce beef to implement different levels of traceability, which have been typically achieved through the use of unique numerical code labeled on ear-tags and animal passports. DNA based traceability uses the animal own DNA code for identification purpose and it is today regarded as the most reliable method, as it allows identification of the origin of meat products at any stage along the production chain. SNaPshot, a primer extension-based method enabled us to multiplex 25 SNPs within a single reaction allowing reduction in the genotyping expenses of a panel of SNPs useful for identity control. We demonstrated the effectiveness of this traceability system in meat and dairy cattle breeds and compared it to IPLEX genotyping system with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The introduced traceability system is based on genetic ear-tags that sample every newborn, the establishment of a centralized databank and recorded identification based on SNP profile. National traceability scheme is expected to increase food safety, to help in deterring cattle theft and to reduce meat forgery. Additionally, full traceability will improve herd management and decrease economic losses in epidemic cases through fast identification and removal of the contamination source.