Novel technology for rapid and cost-effective on-line detection of boar taint

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Boar taint is an unpleasant odour of pork which can be prevented by the castration of pigs. Due to animal welfare concern, a ban on pig castration will be introduced in 2018 in Europe. This will lead to a dramatic increase in tainted carcasses entering food chain and associated economic losses. The applicants in collaboration with industry developed a prototype of a unique cost-effective technology for on-line detection of boar taint; undertook extensive market evaluation; filed a European patent application and identified potential licensees. The technology has been further improved following industry feedback and validated on meat samples against the "gold standard". However, the industry is not prepared to progress licensing negotiations until the technological aspects are fully addressed and the technology is evaluated in abattoir setting. This project will close the technology "gaps", evaluate the technology in industrial setting and facilitate the technology commercialisation.