Mérieux NutriSciences, a trusted partner in food safety and nutrition, increases capacity to support global food supply chain during animal species identification crisis

Since the current horse meat crisis began, clients and industry associations from the USA, Europe, Brazil, South Africa and Australia have consulted Mérieux NutriSciences.  Food industry stakeholders are benefiting from the synergy and expertise of the three Mérieux NutriSciences business units – Silliker, Biofortis and Chelab Silliker to help them respond to the horse meat scandal.

In response to the European Union’s call for testing of horse meat and Phenylbutazone, Mérieux NutriSciences offers species identification and testing for residues of pharmaceutical drugs (ie: phenylbutazone, antibiotics, …) in a single-sample test package.  Protecting health from these residues falls within the mission of Mérieux NutriSciences to protect public health.

In addition to horse meat, testing requests have intensified for fish identification. A recent study conducted in the USA, based on the ADN analysis of 1215 samples collected from 600 retail outlets in 21 states, indicated that up to 30% of fish are mislabelled. Similar to meat products, seafood is increasingly sold on the global market after winding through a long and complicated supply chain. The French Minister of Agriculture has called for reinforced control, echoing actions taken in regards to the horse meat crisis.

Mérieux NutriSciences possesses expertise to identify fish species using a DNA sequencing method for one species, or a DHPLC method to identify numerous species from one sample. 

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.

Contact: Pamela Vennin, VP corporate communications: 33(0) 6 78 02 45 65 ; pamela.vennin@mxns.com