Problems in Beef Quality Control and Assurance : A Case Study in Japan

Abstract

In Japan, a new beef Quality Control and Assurance system is characterized by DNA testing which, through DNA sampling, can trace a beef back to its distribution channel. This will help enable the top-brand beefs to raise brand strength in individual items by prevention of misbranding. There is a good possibility that the Quality Control and Assurance system will reform the system of production and distribution in producing area, which is not unclear with regard to a product concept. However, the identification cut of a single animal in an industrial cutting plant is possible, but expensive, and development of the Quality Control and Assurance system at retail stores is not easy as it requires a new product management and hard-software facilities in order to make easy product identification. Thus, ultimately the Quality Control and Assurance may increase the final product cost.