According to its article on the U of G Food Institute, the University of Guelph is recognized as Canada’s “food university.” It should then come as no surprise that the U of Gbased Biodiversity Institute of Ontario (BIO) announced that they are partnering with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to create innovative DNA analysing tools for use in the food industry.
Using the $323,000 from the CFIA, the institute will create tools for genomics and DNA barcoding with the goal of making identification of species simpler. With these tools they can identify mislabelled seafood and detect plant pests much sooner.
DNA barcoding was developed by one of U of G’s own biology professors, Paul Herbert. Since Herbert created the technology in 2003, it has been using genetic material to discover new species and correctly identify previously misidentified species.
The announcement of the partnership was released Jan. 14 2016, and the funding is said to be released over the course of 18 months. Not only will this joint project help detect and identify species, increase food safety, and help protect vegetation, it will also help consolidate the two groups’ efforts to control invasive plant pests.
The meeting involving the announcement included the Canadian Minister of Health, Jane Philpott; U of G’s vice-president, Malcolm Campbell; CFIA president, Bruce Archibald; and Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield.
Other uses for this technology include tracking diseases, and identifying illegal goods at borders. These efforts will likely enhance U of G’s reputation as a leader in the food industry, as well as encourage cooperation between the university and the government. The announcement also establishes U of G as a leader in food research and genomics.
With this new partnership, U of G now continues to represent Canada’s commitment to genomics and plant safety through species identification. It also demonstrates a commitment to dependable science and regulations that ensure the safety of Canada’s food. This is a good time to be a Gryphon.