PIGPASS/ PHYSI-TRACE PROJECT

NLIS (Pork) Plan - traceability

Gaps / risks andalternative technologies PigPass NVD

PigPass NVDValidation

PigPassManagement

IndustryAwareness and

Rollout

Monitoring andBenchmarking

Integration ofPigPass with NLIS

Key elements:

•PigPass NVD

•APIQ standard

•Linkage with abattoir

GS1 bar coding system

for carcases & cartons

•Physi-trace system to

validate PigPass system

& rapid traceback

Physi-trace System Overview

Feed origin Feed mix Pigs feed

Sample collectionSample analysisTraceback Report

Take sample from carcase

What is the Physi-trace System?

The Physi-trace System is:

• part of the PigPass system

• a simple, low cost traceability validation tool

• based on proven scientific technologies of trace element and

isotopic analysis

• designed to rapidly identify and confirm the source of pork

How does the Physi-trace system work?

Step 1: Sample Collection

Take meat sample from carcase

Sample in collector tube with carcase ticket

Samples in cold esky and sent to the Physi-trace lab

Record sample information into the Physi-trace database

Step 2: Sample Storage

Reception of samples at the Physi-trace lab

Samples are frozen for a period of 3 years

How does the Physi-trace system work?

Step 1 – Sample collection for reference

• 2 meat samples are collected from each tattoo at the abattoir• Each sample is placed into a bar coded sample collector

container • Each sample collector with a carcase ticket is placed into a

sealable plastic bag • Samples are held in a transportable cold box • Cold box is sent by courier to the secure Physi-trace laboratory

Step 2 – Sample storage

• Each sample is logged into the Physi-trace sample collection database

• Samples are frozen and held available for reference for a period of 3 years

How does the Physi-trace system work?

Step 3: Analysis of test and reference sample

Sample from freezer Sample analysis Results

Physi-trace Traceback Report

Step 4: Traceback reporting

Analyse results Send report to the person who requested the traceback

Steps 3 & 4 detail

Step 3 – Analysis of test and reference samples

• The test sample is analysed for trace elements and isotopes

• The results are used to identify the possible slaughter establishments, slaughter dates and farms

• Relevant reference samples are taken from the secure storage freezers and an analysis is conducted

Step 4 – Traceback Reporting

• A detailed ‘Physi-trace Traceback Report’ is sent to the person who made the traceback request

• The report includes information matching statistically the test sample to the slaughter establishment, kill date, kill lot, tattoo, PigPass NVD and farm where the pig was grown

Why a Traceback occurs?

A traceback can occur for a number of reasons

• Residue detection by an importing country inspection service

• Food safety incident in the domestic market

• Residue detection through the AQIS residue surveillance program

• Export market customer complaint

• Routine QA program traceback

• Marketing demonstration to customers for assurance of pork product integrity

• Industry surveillance of retail products

Benefits of the Physi-trace System

The benefits will include:

• Very low cost to implement

• No expensive equipment required

• Low operating costs

• No major changes to existing work practices

• Simple to use

• Industry driven and administered

• Compatible with existing abattoir traceability systems

• Integrates with the PigPass NVD

• Internationally recognised traceability technology

• Rapid traceability reporting

• A fully robust traceabililty system to underpin pork product integrity in all markets

Research Project progress

Stage 1 – Proof of Concept

Sample analysis:

• 69 different tattoos spread across 97 kill lots

• 234 samples were collected over a 2 month period

• At the Swickers plant (QLD)

• Using the Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA)

• Limited number of samples from a limited supply area for a limited production time

• Mixed lots: all from different growing cells

• Seasonal and feed supply factors tested

Analysis Results:

• The LDA determines what group the sample belongs to

• Each kill lot is unique

• Results showed differences between the samples and similarities in samples from the same kill lot

Testing in one day

Linear discriminant plot of 7 tattoo/kill lots from Swickers, 8th September, 2008

• 7 tattoo kill lots

• Processed in one day

• 5 pigs sampled from each of the kill lots

Each of the 7 tattoo/ kill lot groups of 5 samples show unique grouping proving that the physi-trace technology can differentiate tattoo/ kill lot groups.

Testing over 2 month period

Linear discriminant plot of pork samples from 5 tattoos over 2 month period.

• 5 tattoo kill lots

• over 2 month period

Each of the 5 tattoo/ kill lot groups of samples show unique grouping proving that the physi-trace technology can differentiate tattoo/ kill lot groups.

Testing geographically

Linear discrimant plot showing discrimination between Qld and WA pork samples.

• 69 tattoos

• 97 kill lots

• 234 samples

This graph shows the clear discrimination between pork samples from pigs grown in Queensland and Western Australia. It has to be noted that the Western Australian sample was a single sample only.

Where to from here?

• Approval - get NCC support for stage 2 of Physi-trace project

• Sample Collection Program – commence the sample collection program

for the 6 selected plants (SA, VIC, VIC/NSW border, central NSW,

northern NSW/ QLD)

• Reference Database – develop reference database and analysis

protocols for processed cuts and non-Australian product

• Demonstration – conduct traceback pilots with Australian retail products

and with Singapore retail products

• Develop case study for assurance for domestic and export markets

• Subject to NCC/ APL support, roll out to all industry

Article by Jessica Lim

Extract from STRAITS TIMES, 2nd October 2008

“Staying one step ahead in food safetyAVA to set up unit just to watch out for unusual contaminants

You have heard the phrase ‘from farm or factory to fork’. Now add a fourth F in between - forensics - to keep watch on potential contaminants which could make Singapore's food unsafe.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is hoping a new unit, which will be set up after the current crisis blows over, will give an added layer of protection for food here.

Its role will be to test for potential non-conventional food contaminants and gather intelligence on the ground to safeguard against future food scares.

The idea was mooted by National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan during a visit to the AVA lab in Lim Chu Kang yesterday, which is now a test site for melamine in food. …”

Case Studies

The following are possible traceback scenarios using the Physi-trace technology.

Assumption: Maximum cost of a Physi-trace system is 5 cents per carcase.

Case Study 1 – Random sampling by importing authority in importing country finds an issue.

Case Study 2 – Industry association (APL), either working with a retailer in importing country, or alone on suspicion of substitution, seeks authentication of the origin of the product.

Case Study 3 – Industry Association (APL) working with domestic retailer to protect product brand.

Case Study 1

Random sampling by importing authority in importing country finds an issue.

• Importing authority contact AQIS with product details (carton barcode, etc) and issue.

• AQIS request 20 grams sample of suspect product for Physi-trace testing. A request form is completed and submitted by AQIS.

• Product imported through special sample for analysis protocol.

• Physi-trace lab receives the request (with the carton details) and the sample.

• Lab takes from the archive the kill lot reference samples for the kill date based on the carton label.

• Analysis is conducted of the reference samples against the test samples.

• Within 72 hours of receipt of the sample a report is created showing the statistical relationship of the test samples against the reference samples ie which kill lot matches the test sample. The kill lot is matched to the PigPass NVD which identifies the producer.

Case Study 1

Importing authority finds issue

+

AQIS receives details

1. Traceback request

Issue and product details are sent

2. Sample request

AQIS sends sample request form

Importing authority sends 20g sample

Physi-trace Lab receive sample and details

+

AQIS sends product details

Case Study1

Sample analysis Analysis results Physi-trace Traceback Report

3. Sample analysis within 72 hours of sample reception

The report is created showing the statistical relationship of the test samples against the reference samples ie which kill lot matches the test sample. The kill lot is matched to the PigPass NVD which identifies the producer.

Case Study 2

Industry association (APL), either working with a retailer in importing country, or alone on suspicion of substitution, seeks authentication of the origin of the product.

• APL operative in Singapore is contacted by a retailer that suspects that the product they have received from a wholesaler is not Australian product, or APL operative suspects substitution.

• APL completes a request form and obtains a 20 gram sample from the retailer.

• Product imported through special ‘sample for analysis’ protocol established by AQIS and AVA.

• Physi-Trace laboratory receives the request and the sample.

• Analysis is conducted to determine whether the product is or is not Australian and statistically shows the likely growing region.

• Within 36 hours of receipt of the sample a report is created detailing if the sample is Australian/ is not Australian origin and if Australian the likely growing region.

Case Study 2

1. Traceback request

Food Retailer finds an issueAPL operative in Singapore is contacted

2. Sample request

APL sends sample request form

Retailer sends 20g sample

Physi-trace Lab receive sample

Case Study 2

Sample analysis Analysis results

Physi-trace Traceback Report

3. Sample analysis within 36 hours of sample reception

The report is created detailing if the sample is Australian/ is not Australian origin and if Australian the likely growing region.

Locate Region

Case Study 3

Industry Association (APL) working with domestic retailer to protect product brand.

• The product supplied to the relater is branded as “Source Verifiable Aussie Pork” by being underpinned with the PigPass Physi-trace system.

• All products are supplied from Physi-trace licensed processors that use the PigPass and Physi-trace system for the slaughtered pigs.

• APL as part of the agreement collect random samples at retail (a few per month).

• The samples are sent to the Physi-trace laboratory along with a completed request form.

•  Analysis is conducted to determine whether the product is or is not Australian and statistically shows the likely growing region.

• Within 36 hours of receipt of the sample a report is created detailing if the sample is Australian/ is not Australian origin and, if Australian, the likely growing region.   

Case Study 3

1. Product Brand agreement

Domestic RetailerAPL

2. Sample collection

APL collect random samples at retail (a few per month) sends samples and completed request form

Physi-trace Lab receive sample

Protect product brand “Source Verifiable Aussie Pork”

+

Case Study 3

Sample analysisAnalysis results

Physi-trace Traceback Report

3. Sample analysis within 36 hours of sample reception

The report is created detailing if the sample is Australian/ is not Australian origin and, if Australian, the likely growing region.

Locate Region

Key issues for R&I/ APL

1. PigPass/ Physi-trace program establishment

• Reflected in APL strategic & operating plans

2. Engagement with broader industry and government (domestic & international)

• Endorsement/ cooregulation

3. Transfer/ adoption

• Program participation/ pilots

• Training/ extension