Gasconade
County
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PORK QUALITY ASSURANCE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What is Pork Quality Assurance Level III certification?
The PQA program is primarily an educational effort. It focuses on 10 good production practices that emphasize food safety and quality in addition to animal performance. A swine producer is said to be certified when a veterinarian, agriculture teacher, or extension specialist signs a form indicating that in their professional judgement the requirements of the program are met.
At one time producers became certified in three stages, thus the level III designation. Now producers complete all stages before becoming certified. Details of the program and record keeping forms are available in the 90 page publication Pork Quality Assurance available through the Extension Center.
What is the purpose of PQA?
PQA was originally introduced in 1989 by the National Pork Producers Council as a voluntary educational program for commercial pork producers. The basic program remains intact today. The purpose is to build consumer confidence in the quality and safety of pork products entering the food chain by increasing producer awareness of food safety concerns, improving swine management practices and taking steps to avoid violative drug residues.
PQA is now recognized by the industry as an important part of responsible pork production. As of January 1999 many major pork processors began requiring that hogs be from certified producers.
Do all youth swine exhibitors need to be PQA certified?
Yes. All youth who exhibit barrows at the Gasconade County Fair need to be certified in PQA III. In addition, the Missouri State Fair requires PQA III certification.
Why does the Gasconade County Fair require PQA?
This decision was made by the fair livestock committee for several reasons. One, it fits with the goals of the youth barrow project which include providing an educational opportunity to learn about best management practices and the larger swine industry. Two, it helps protect exhibitors, buyers, the Gasconade County Fair, and consumers from the negative consequences of encountering violative drug residue problems. Three, it helps to promote the quality of the show and sale. Four, PQA certification helps exhibitors and buyers by removing a barrier to sale at some slaughter locations.
If a parent is certified, will that qualify the child?
No. Each exhibitor will need to be certified in their own name. PQA certification is done on an individual basis, not by farm. Also, each youth should consider themselves a pork producer, with an important responsibility to produce a safe, quality food product.
GOOD PRODUCTION PRACTICES for Quality Assured Pork Production
Food Safety
- Identify and track all treated animals
- Maintain medication and treatment records
- Properly store, label and account for all drug products and medicated feeds
- Obtain and use only veterinary prescription drugs based on a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship
- Educate all employees and family members on proper administration techniques and withdrawal times
- Use drug residue tests when appropriate
Efficient Production of a Quality Product
- Establish an efficient and effective herd health management plan
- Provide proper swine care
- Follow appropriate on-farm feed processing and commercial feed processor procedures
- Complete quality assurance checklist annually, and recertify every two years
See the Pork Quality Assurance manual for more detailed information on each of these points. If you did not receive this manual through the mail, you can request one from the Gasconade County Extension Center, 437-2165.
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University of Missouri Extension Gasconade County gasconadeco@missouri.edu Updated 11/20/2009 |
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