According to Irish Examiner, as a result of the weaknesses found in the paper-based traceability system following the pig meat dioxin crisis, the Irish Farmers Association partnered with IdentiGEN to create the world’s first national DNA database for pigs.

In the past, pig produce has been vulnerable to the mixing of Irish and non-Irish pork.

SuperValu has confirmed it will use this system for all its rashers, ham, and bacon — both pre-pack and over-the-counter — to provide the consumer with a guarantee the products have come from pigs born and bred in Ireland.

The programme also forms part of the Bord Bia quality-assurance programme. Every month, both Bord Bia and the IFA collect and test samples from SuperValu to ensure compliance with country of origin labelling.

SuperValu managing director Martin Kelleher said the fact that the retailer was embracing this technology showed its commitment to the highest standards of traceability.

"This demonstrates the real partnership between us, our supplier, Oliver Carty Limited, and the Irish farming community," he said.

Pat O’Flaherty, chairman of the IFA national pigs and pig meat committee, said the system would increase sales of Irish produce by providing consumers with "a cast-iron guarantee" the product is of Irish origin.