DNA Tracking System Has Big Potential

Article Excerpt

MAPLE LEAF FOODS INC. $14 (Toronto symbol MFI; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; SI Rating: Average) has teamed up with a genetic testing firm, Clinical Data, Inc., to develop a way to track hogs using DNA markers. That should make it easier for inspectors to trace unhealthy animals back to the farm they came from. Demand for this system should be strong in light of growing concern over mad cow and other diseases, and Maple Leaf aims to someday licence it to other pork processors. If successful, the two companies aim to adapt the system for other animals and agricultural products. Maple Leaf Foods is a buy. buy…