Introduction Youth Pork Quality Assurance Plus TM A Program for Youth Pork Producers

2 Introduction Pork Quality Assurance PQA ® - Voluntary educational program started in 1989, it helps to: –Prevent violative drug residues –Increase food safety awareness –Increase awareness of proper animal care

3 Introduction Why Pork Quality Assurance? Youth PQA Plus TM is composed of two main elements: –Food Safety –Animal Well-being

4 Introduction Packer Requirements Many packers require Youth PQA Plus certification County fairs, state fairs and other livestock shows may also require Youth PQA Plus certification

5 Introduction Today, residue levels are lower than ever Youth PQA Plus provides a way to help: –Educate producers about drug residues –Ensure the wholesomeness of pork and pork products –Promote consumer confidence in pig well-being

6 Introduction Food Safety Pork producers’ projects enter the food chain Producers’ Decisions = Food Safety

7 Introduction Food Safety Food Supply Continuum

8 Introduction Food Safety

9 Introduction I Animal Well-being Pork producers have a responsibility to: –Provide appropriate conditions so that pigs are healthy and in good physical condition –Maintain and promote the pork industry tradition of responsible animal care through good animal care practices

10 Introduction HACCP and Food Safety H azard A nalysis and C ritical C ontrol P oints A system used in meat packing plants to help prevent food safety problems Regulated by the USDA - FSIS

11 Introduction Hazards Three Main Hazard Categories: Chemical –Chemical residues in tissue including antimicrobials Biological –A virus, bacteria, protozoa, mold or parasite that could cause foodborne illness Physical –Broken needles or metal

12 Introduction Youth Pork Quality Assurance Plus Program Good Production Practice #1 “Establish and implement an efficient and effective herd health management plan.”

13 Introduction Good Production Practice #2 “Use a veterinarian/client/patient relationship as the basis for medication decision-making.” Good Production Practice #3 “ Use antibiotics responsibly.” Youth Pork Quality Assurance Plus Program

14 Introduction Good Production Practice #4 “Identify and track all treated animals.” Good Production Practice #5 “Maintain medication and treatment records.” Youth Pork Quality Assurance Plus Program

15 Introduction Good Production Practice #6 “Properly store, label and account for all drug products and medicated feeds.” Good Production Practice #7 “Educate all animal caretakers on proper administration techniques, needle-use procedures, observance of withdrawal times and methods to avoid marketing adulterated products for human food.” Youth Pork Quality Assurance Plus Program

16 Introduction Good Production Practice #8 “Follow appropriate on-farm feed processing and commercial feed processor procedures.” Good Production Practice #9 “Develop, implement and document an animal caretaker training program.” Youth Pork Quality Assurance Plus Program

17 Introduction Good Production Practice #10 “Provide proper swine care to improve swine well-being.” Youth Pork Quality Assurance Plus Program

18 Introduction Take-Home Message You are responsible for providing a safe, wholesome product for consumers

19 Introduction Summary Your role in the food supply continuum is to provide safe food by producing pork free from violative residues and other hazards and do so in a manner that promotes good animal well- being.

20 Introduction Youth Pork Quality Assurance Plus