Tyler Bettin, Producer Education Director
(800) 372-7675, tbettin@iowapork.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE!

Iowa Pork Producers Reach Food Safety Program Milestone
(CLIVE, Iowa) — Iowa pork producers have reached a new milestone as 5,471 Iowa pork production sites have been assessed through the Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) Plus® program.

PQA Plus was launched in 2007 as a continuous improvement program that outlines good production practices in the areas of food safety and animal well-being. Individuals are first certified through an education program. Following certification, producers invite PQA Plus advisors to conduct an objective assessment of practices on the farm.

Nearly 14,000 Iowans are certified in the PQA Plus training program.

A random sample of assessed sites is selected each year for third-party verification of the program. Data from this verification will be used to help determine necessary areas for improvement and increased education for producers.

“PQA Plus certification and the site assessment process helps show customers we care about our animals and the safety of food we produce and aids in continuous improvement of our industry,” said Leon Sheets, 2011 Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) president. “Iowa pork producers take great pride in providing a safe, wholesome and healthy product for consumers around the world.”

PQA Plus is part of the industry aligned We Care responsible pork initiative. This initiative outlines ethical principles for pork producers to produce safe food, protect and promote animal well-being, protect public health, safeguard natural resources, provide a safe work environment and contribute to a better quality of life in our communities.

For more information about PQA Plus, We Care or other IPPA producer education programs, please contact Tyler Bettin at (800) 372-7675 or tbettin@iowapork.org.

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