Aberdeen Angus is one of the world’s most recognised premium food brands and commands a premium cost to the consumer. Unfortunately, as a consequence of its market domination, large numbers of adulterated Aberdeen Angus products have been distributed into the red meat market by activities of non-compliant suppliers. Cell Analysis has discussed the need to develop a genuine Aberdeen Angus test with organisations such as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Aberdeen Angus Society. They both agree that there is a clear need for a reliable, fast and cost effective method of authenticity testing within the red meat sector.

Working with our partners and using our knowledge of genetics Cell Analysis set about developing the AngusGen^TM test to correctly identify between genuine and non-genuine Aberdeen Angus and other breeds such as Hereford. Our partners supplied Cell Analysis with certified samples of Aberdeen Angus for research purposes allowing us to develop a genetic database, which we used to identify specific genetic SNP markers of the Aberdeen Angus breed.