Dublin-based IndentiGEN Genetic Testing Services has been asked by farmers to test rump steaks bought in pubs and also supermarkets.

Farm leaders in the UK commissioned the research, claiming that many stores and pubs are serving steaks from a tropical cattle variety notorious for its tough meat and poor eating quality.

They want better food labelling or even a ban on Brazilian beef imports.

Concerns about South American meat finding its way into the food chain were demonstrated last week when it emerged that 500 ration packs, prepared by a British company for Irish soldiers on training exercises, contained Brazilian beef.

IdentiGEN managing director Ciaran Meghen says the company can analyse the meat's genetic markers to prove where it comes from.

Last month 12 member organisations of Fairness for Farmers in Europe (FFE) issued a formal complaint to the European Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamandouros regarding beef imports from Brazil.

Source: Irish Independent