DNA testing to be used to fight against fake Kobe beef english.kyodonews.net

KYODO NEWS - Sep 25, 2019 - 21:10 | Lifestyle, AllA system using DNA testing to distinguish real from fake Kobe beef will be implemented from October as part of efforts to protect the reputation of the high-end meat, an industry body said Wednesday.
According to the Kobe Beef Marketing & Distribution Promotion Association, farmers will be able to bring live cattle to a meat center where certified samples of Kobe beef will be assigned unique identification numbers and stored for five years.
"We want to create a system to reassure consumers as they enjoy Kobe beef," said an official of the industry body.
Known for its tenderness and high degree of fat marbling, Kobe beef has risen in popularity overseas, making management of the brand challenging.
In Yamagata Prefecture in northeastern Japan, a group that promotes Yonezawa brand beef has also implemented a system for DNA testing, using the hair root of cattle for stored specimens.