1. Quality Assurance® A Program for America’s Pork Producers
To help all pork producers meet today’s high standards of quality and safety, the National Pork Board has created the PORK QUALITY ASSURANCETM Program (PQA). This program was created to ensure that pork producers have up-to-date, accurate information about using a comprehensive management system that addresses the health and handling of animals, and the proper use of animal health products to prevent violative animal tissue residues.
The program provides information about the federal government’s rules and regulations for pork producers, and explains how the National Pork Board has incorporated these and additional scientific principles into its PQA program.
PQA outlines 10 Good Production Practices (GPPs) and offers suggestions and techniques to help implement each practice. The PQA manual also contains sample forms and additional sources of information.

2. Food Supply Continuum Postharvest Farm Preharvest Harvest Food
Retail and
Distribution
Food
Services
Consumers
Home
Institutions
Restaurants
Postharvest
Farm
Transport
Market
Preharvest
Slaughter
Processing
Harvest
Pork quality begins at the farm. The pork producer is no longer a “customer” of the packing plants. We don’t sell them our product, ending our responsibility. Instead, we are “suppliers” of a product that will keep adding value until it reaches our customer, the consumer. As a supplier to the food chain, we can be proud of the advances we have made. Our product is now 31% leaner, 14% lower in calories and 10% lower in cholesterol than it was just 10 years ago.

3. History
The Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) Program was developed with check-off money to assure all pork producers have the information they need to do their part in delivering a safe and wholesome product to consumers.
Introduced in 1989, PQA is a voluntary, food safety educational program for all pork producers
History
Perceived safety, wholesomeness, and nutritional value of food products influence consumer buying decisions. If consumers are not confident that a product is of the highest quality they have come to expect, they will not purchase it.
The entire pork industry will benefit from widespread producer commitment to the check-off funded PQA program. Implementing PQA on every farm will help the industry protect or even expand its markets by reducing the risk of incidents that could erode consumer confidence in the safety, quality, and wholesomeness of pork.

4. Current Regulatory System
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS)
The current regulatory system to help provide safe, wholesome food to consumers is a combination of rules and enforcement procedures established by several state and federal government agencies. Producers ultimately are responsible for providing a residue-safe product. While many animal health products are available over the counter, it is critical for producers to seek veterinarian involvement in medication decisions.
There are several federal agencies that help ensure the safety and wholesomeness of food products for consumers. They are the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
The FDA, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for regulating medicated animal feeds and most animal health products. It approves the product, sets residue tolerance or action levels in edible tissues, and determines how drugs are to be administered in animals.
The EPA sets tolerance levels for pesticides used in pork production. If a pesticide is applied to pigs or their immediate environment, then it is subject to regulations set by the EPA.
The FSIS, which is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, inspects all pigs at federally inspected packing plants and examines plant sanitation. It conducts both routine residue monitoring and targeted food safety surveillance activities.

5. Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP)
HACCP is designed to be a preventative and systematic approach to food safety. An important aspect of the HACCP system is that all individuals involved understand their role and fulfill their responsibilities. One error can affect the entire system and its success.
The government requires meat packers to follow the HACCP system in their plants. In effect, HACCP has shifted the responsibility of safety from the government to meat packers and they are asking pork producers to help control antimicrobial residues, chemical residues, and physical hazards.
Packers are not able to hold treated animals until withdrawal is completed once the pig is at the plant. The producer is responsible for properly observing drug withdrawal times to ensure that antimicrobial residues in swine tissues do not exceed acceptable limits.
The PQA Program is not HACCP, but it is a “HACCP-like” program that satisfies the government mandate to the packers that they have a knowledge about the in-coming animals. That is why most major packers now require their suppliers to be PQA certified.

6. 10 Good Production Practices
The PQA program consists of ten Good Production Practices. You will find explanations of each practice and guidelines for implementing and following each practice in the PQA book.
Several example record-keeping forms with the type of information that should be tracked, a checklist that can be used for a self-assessment, and additional information sources about specific practices may be found in the Appendix.
10 Good Production Practices

7. Identify and Track All Treated Animals
Good Production Practice #1
Identify and Track All Treated Animals
Before treating any animal, you should decide what method of identification is appropriate for your operation. It is important to use an identification and tracking system that can reliably identify medicated pigs from the time of drug administration completely through the proper withdrawal for the medication.

8. GPP #1 You can identify medicated animals:
Individually - by ear tags, paint stick (if the identification can last through the withdrawal period), sow cards, etc.
By pen - by unique identification of the pen to ensure that the pigs aren’t marketed until the withdrawal time is satisfied
By group (building or site) - if a whole barn or site is medicated, all the pigs must satisfy the withdrawal time
To satisfy requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) you should keep written medication records for at least 12 months following marketing of any medicated livestock.

9. Maintain Medication and Treatment Records
Good Production Practice #2
Maintain Medication and Treatment Records
According to the FDA, all food animal producers are required to keep medication and treatment records. GPP #2 gives some guidelines for these records.

10. GPP #2 FDA Compliance Policy Guide 7125.37
All food animal producers are required to follow the guidelines set forth in the Food and Drug Administration’s published Compliance Policy Guide (CPG) : "Proper Drug Use and Residue Avoidance by Non-veterinarians.” This is what is included:
identify treated animals
maintain medication and treatment records
properly store, label and account for drugs
get veterinary prescription drugs only through a valid Veterinarian/Client/Patient relationship
educate everyone involved in treating animals about proper procedures
The guidelines in the CPG also form the basis for the producer responsibilities of tissue residue avoidance that the government and meat packers expect under packer HACCP plans.

11. GPP #2 All Records Should: Identify the animal(s) treated.
Specify the date(s) of treatment.
Name the drug(s) administered.
Include who administered the drug(s).
Give the amount of drug(s) administered.
Show the withdrawal time prior to slaughter.
Identify the veterinarian directing medication use.
GPP #2
Maintaining the Gilt/Sow/Boar and Pen or Individual Pig Treatment charts and the Feed Mixing Records Form at the back of the PQA book will show that a system for animal identification, drug use, and withdrawal is in place.
If you have your own farm record keeping system, these are the components that are required to be included.

12. Good Production Practice #3
Properly Store, Label, and Account For All Drug Products and Medicated Feeds
GPP #3 is “Properly Store, Label, and Account For All Drug Products and Medicated Feeds”.

13. Read the Label
Always follow the label’s directions for storage and use.
Check labels and identify those requiring refrigeration.
GPP #3
Always follow the label’s directions for storage and use. The effectiveness of a stored drug may quickly diminish based on its storage temperature, exposure to sunlight, and other factors as listed on the medication’s label.
Be sure to check labels and identify those requiring refrigeration. As a general rule, vaccines and certain antibiotics need to be refrigerated at about 40° to 45° F. Store in the refrigerator all injectable medications that have been opened.

14. Inventory Control and Storage
GPP #3
Inventory control is extremely important in any well-run business. At the back of the PQA book, you will find a drug storage record and inventory control sheet. This form is designed to help you keep track of purchases and uses in your drug inventory supply. You will need to copy the form for each drug you use.

15. Feed Additives
GPP #3
Feed additives are used in swine rations to improve feed efficiency and promote faster gain or to prevent or treat disease. They are not a substitute for good management and sanitation practices, a sound preventive health program, a good nutrition program, or proper environmental conditions.
The FDA requires minimum production standards called current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) for all medicated feed manufacturers including pork producers with on-farm mixing operations. These will be discussed in detail in Good Production Practice #9.
Note: No person (licensed veterinarian, feed manufacturer, or producer) may use drugs in medicated feeds in an extra-label manner.

16. Good Production Practice #4
Valid Veterinarian/Client/Patient Relationship (VCPR) as the Basis for Medication Decision-Making
The Veterinarian/Client/Patient Relationship, or VCPR, is a cornerstone for getting professional advice about appropriate and proper animal health product use.

17. Veterinarian / Client / Patient Relationship
GPP #4
The FDA says that an appropriate veterinarian/client/patient relationship will exist when:
(1) The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal(s) and the need for medical treatment, and the client (owner or other caretaker) has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian.
(2) There is sufficient knowledge of the animal(s) by the veterinarian to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal(s). This means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal(s), and/or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal(s) are kept.
(3) The practicing veterinarian is readily available for follow-up in case of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of therapy.

18. Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Prescription Drugs
GPP #4
There are three types of drugs available for use in animals. The first two are “over-the-counter” or OTC drugs and prescription drugs.
When label directions can be written so that the drug can be safely and correctly used by a non-veterinarian, a drug can be sold OTC for its labeled uses. OTC drugs do not require a prescription - but - any time you use animal health products, even OTC drugs, consult with your veterinarian.
Prescription drugs can only be used by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Prescription product labels will contain this statement:
"Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian."

19. Extra-label Use
GPP #4
Extra-label use means using an animal drug in a manner other than in the exact way that it is labeled to use. Only a veterinarian with a valid VCPR for your operation can direct extra-label use.
The following are examples of extra-label use:
Increasing the dosage.
Changing the frequency or the route of administration.
Changing the duration of treatment.
Treating for a disease not listed on the label.
Changing the animal species to be treated
You and your veterinarian accept these added responsibilities with extra-label use:
A careful medical diagnosis has been made by your veterinarian.
There are adequate directions for use that are provided by your veterinarian and you agree to follow them.
Extended drug withdrawal times may be needed so that there areno violative levels of residues in the animal.
Identity of all treated animals for the withdrawal time is maintained.
Also, remember, no extra-label use is permitted for medications that go into animal feeds - even if it is on the advice of a veterinarian.

20. Veterinary Feed Directive
GPP #4
The third type of medication that is available is the Veterinary Feed Directive or VFD drugs. The VFD is a category specifically for new antimicrobial drugs that are to be used in the feed to treat disease.
In all cases, VFD feeds are not intended for routine use. They may be fed to animals only in accordance with a valid VFD issued by a veterinarian with whom you have a valid Veterinarian/Client/Patient Relationship.
To obtain a these types of drugs, your veterinarian will make a diagnosis and, if appropriate, write the VFD. You will be required to provide your feed medication supplier with a copy of the VFD form and also to keep one in your files for two years. These requirements are necessary to ensure the FDA that the drug is being used properly.

21. Antimicrobial Resistance and the Judicious Use of Antimicrobials
GPP #4
Anyone who uses antimicrobials - physicians and their patients and veterinarians and their clients - share the responsibility to use them properly.
The issue of antibiotic resistance centers on the theory that antibiotics used in meat production causes the bacteria in the animal’s intestine to develop resistance to that antibiotic, with the potential for the resistant bacteria to be transferred to people through food.
Why is this so important? Although bacterial resistance may be an important consideration when making treatment decisions in your operation, the issue also has further reaching implications. Some antimicrobials used in food animals are also used for human therapy. Current and future availability of safe and effective animal health products depends on their proper, judicious use.
For more information, the National Pork Board has prepared a checklist for Judicious Use Guidelines (JUGS) – Pork Safety Fact Sheet, Vol. 2, No. 4, July 2000

22. Good Production Practice #5
Educate All Employees and Family Members on Proper Administration Techniques
An education requirement is part of the FDA’s Compliance Policy Guide and the PQA Program satisfies this condition.

23. Administration of Injectable Drugs
In the muscle (Intramuscular - IM)
GPP #5
Failure to inject an antimicrobial or vaccine in the proper site could reduce the product’s effectiveness.
To give an injection in the muscle (Intramuscular or IM), use a spot on the neck just behind and below the ear, but in front of the shoulder.
Never inject in the ham or loin. Potential scarring in the muscle from the injection will decrease the value of the meat.
Also, be sure to use the proper size and length needle to ensure the medication is deposited in the muscle, not in other tissues.

24. Administration of Injectable Drugs
Under the skin (Subcutaneous – SQ)
Inject only into clean, dry areas.
For small pigs use the loose flaps of skin in the flank or elbow.
GPP #5
This technique should be used only upon veterinary instruction and guidance as serious injury to the pig can occur.
For an injection under the skin (Subcutaneous or SQ) , for small pigs use the loose flaps of skin in the flank or elbow; for larger pigs, use the proper needle length to inject in an area of loose skin. Inject only into clean, dry areas.

25. Administration of Injectable Drugs
In the abdominal cavity (Intraperitoneal – IP)
In the vein (Intravenous – IV)
GPP #5
In the nasal passages (Intranasal – IN)
These techniques should be used only upon veterinary instruction and guidance as serious injury to the pig can occur.
There are other injection techniques that can be used to deliver animal health products such as antimicrobials or vaccines. Because there is a potential for injuring the pig, these should be used only upon instruction from a veterinarian.

26. Recommended needle sizes and lengths:
Intramuscular Injection
Gauge Length
Baby Pigs or /8" or 1/2"
Nursery or /4" or 5/8"
Finisher "
Breeding Stock 14, 15, or " or 1 1/2"
Subcutaneous Injection
Gauge Length
Nursery or /2"
Finisher /4"
Breeding Stock or "
GPP #5
Using the proper needle size is an important factor in making sure that the injected product effectively does what it was designed to do.
Here are some suggested sizes for different uses in different sizes of pigs. Other needles sizes may be appropriate for your particular situation. Check with your PQA Educator or veterinarian for specific advice.

27. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Needle Usage
Prevention
Identification of At Risk Animals
Notification
Training
GPP #5
Writing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will help you address this important part of your operation in a thoughtful, consistent way. It will also help you educate employees and family about how you would like these issues to be handled. If needle breakage does occur, also encourage honesty, proper identification, and reporting.
An SOP for preventing physical hazards needs to include your needle handling, injection technique, animal identification, and packer notification procedures specifically developed for your operation. Here are some points to consider including in your SOP:
Prevention - evaluating needle strength and detectability; proper animal restraint, choosing the right needle for the right job, and most importantly, if a needle bends during the injection, replace it. Don’t straighten it and try to use it again.
Identification - if a needle does break in an animal, identify it
Notification - talk with your packer about their policy for paying full price for a pig that might be carrying a broken needle and follow their notification recommendations.
Training - communication and training is key to implementing an effective farm policy on needle use

28. Administration of Medications
GPP #5
Following label directions is one of the best ways to avoid drug residues. To ensure this good practice, use your judgment as a professional pork producer to carefully select family members and/or employees to help with administering feed medications.
Also, be certain that family members and/or employees understand the directions and translate written instructions if necessary. And document the educational training in case there is ever a question.

29. Use Drug Residue Tests When Appropriate
Good Production Practice #6
Use Drug Residue Tests When Appropriate
Testing for residues before marketing can help to identify unsafe animals and serve as a preventive measure that saves money, ensures quality, and enhances the pork industry’s reputation.

30. GPP #6 Consider testing when:
1. Sows are culled for sale directly from the farrowing house
2. Animals receive extra-label treatment as prescribed by your veterinarian
3. Any of your feeder pigs are sold as roasters
4. Exhibiting at stock shows and fairs
5. Other special situations occur
GPP #6
Periodic testing for residues, even if you don’t use sulfas or antibiotics in finishing feeds, helps ensure feed medication mistakes haven’t been made.
Your best plan is to follow proper withdrawal times. But, there may be situations when you especially want to test animals before sending them to market. Talk with your Educator or veterinarian about when this would be appropriate for your operation.

31. Good Production Practice #7
Establish and Implement an Efficient and Effective Herd Health Management Plan
Maintaining and improving herd health is one of the key issues in economical pork production. It is much less expensive and more efficient to prevent disease than it is to treat it. Because many health problems can be controlled by good management practices, producers with healthy herds use less drugs. This in turn lowers costs and reduces the potential for violative drug residues.

32. Biosecurity
GPP #7
Your facilities and the level of herd biosecurity you maintain can directly impact your herd’s health and affect the safety of your product, all the way to the consumer’s table.
On page 49 of the PQA book there is a list of biosecurity procedures and considerations. Discussing this list with your Educator or veterinarian and using it to form a biosecurity plan specifically for your operation will help keep your herd healthy and safe.

33. Disease Prevention and Herd Health
GPP #7
An internal disease prevention program is also important. Asking your veterinarian about performing diagnostic tests on the herd for disease exposure, conducting routine post mortem examinations with the proper follow-up diagnostic procedures, conducting slaughter checks as necessary, and periodically reviewing production records can help design a program specific for your operation.
Pig movement patterns, people traffic patterns, disinfection techniques and verification and effective vaccination programs are also important parts of a good herd health program.

34. Environmental Stewardship
GPP #7
Maintaining your operation in a way that is environmentally sound will help you ensure your opportunities in pork production and it is the right thing to do.
Familiarize yourself with the state regulations that govern your operation and conduct a self-assessment to minimize compliance risks. You can view your state regulations by viewing the state agencies links at

35. Provide Proper Swine Care
Good Production Practice #8
Provide Proper Swine Care
All producers are encouraged to keep themselves updated on advancements in the industry that can impact their animals’ welfare. Consumers expect us to properly care for our animals. Make decisions based on sound production practices that consider the welfare of the pig and are founded on good scientific principles.

36. Human Contact
GPP #8
Be sure that everyone who has responsibility for caring for your pigs is adequately trained and has the necessary animal husbandry skills to work effectively with your animals. The person responsible for and working with the pigs is the most important single factor to ensure the welfare of the animals.
Spend time observing the animals every day to get them accustomed to human contact. This will help get the pigs used to your presence and will make movement and loading easier on them and on you.

37. Facility Considerations
GPP #8
There are a variety of production facilities in use in the industry today. The important point is to be sure that the management of the facility, regardless of its type, is sufficient to address the well-being of the pigs.
The checkoff funded Swine Care Handbook gives specific, science-based information about the impact on welfare from management practices and animal husbandry; facility environmental management; the maintenance and design of facilities and equipment; feeding and nutrition; and herd health management.

38. Equipment and Loading and Transport
GPP #8
When an animal is put in a fearful situation, you risk both your health and the health of the animal. A large number of human injuries to the back and legs result from improper equipment and/or handling. A panel is the most effective tool for moving a pig. Slappers, buzzers, and prods should be eliminated or significantly curtailed.
You are ultimately responsible for how your animals are handled. Moving patiently and quietly in small groups and using appropriate precautions for transporting in inclement weather are important.

39. Practicing proper euthanasia techniques that are appropriate for the size of the pig is one of the single most important elements to responsibly address animal welfare.
GPP #8
The National Pork Board and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians have published a brochure “‘On-farm Euthanasia of Swine: Options for the Producer” with detailed information about methods of humane euthanasia.
The brochure can be ordered at no charge from the National Pork Board or by contacting your veterinarian. A Euthanasia Action Plan can be found in the Appendix of the PQA book.

40. Good Production Practice #9
Follow Appropriate On-Farm Feed and Commercial Feed Processor Procedures
The importance of quality feed to a livestock operation cannot be over emphasized. The goal of feed manufacturing is to produce feed that meets specifications for nutritional composition; meets the desired medication level if appropriate; and is free of contaminants.

41. Good Manufacturing Practices
1. Buildings and Grounds
2. Equipment
3. Workspace and Storage
4. Product Quality Assurance
5. Labeling
6. Recordkeeping
GPP #9
A set of guidelines for processing feed, referred to as current Good Manufacturing Practices, or cGMPs, is designed to prevent feed contamination and to provide reasonable assurance that the feed is manufactured accurately.

42. On-Farm Feed Manufacturing
GPP #9
The current Good Manufacturing Processes for feed must be followed by anyone manufacturing feed, including on-the-farm, to ensure safe, wholesome meat products for human consumption.
The PQA book contains a checklist of questions about on-farm equipment maintenance, procedures to prevent cross-contamination of feeds, proper storage, and maintenance of appropriate records.

43. Purchased Feed
GPP #9
The feed industry has developed its own quality assurance program to help supply you with a quality feed product.
If you purchase feed, it is advisable to ask your feed supplier about their policies and procedures for ensuring the manufacture and delivery of a safe, quality product. The questions on page 68 if the PQA book can be used as a guide for these discussions with a commercial feed manufacturer.

44. Good Production Practice #10
Complete the Quality Assurance Checklist Every Year and the Education Card Every Two Years
Continuing education is one important component of being a professional pork producer. An annual review of these Good Production Practices will help you efficiently manage production and maintain the highest quality product.

45. GPP #10
Benefits of an annual review of your pork production practices include:
Receiving a periodic, objective, professional assessment of your pork production practices
Examining your production process for possible cost-saving areas
Discussing newly available animal health care products with your veterinarian
Reviewing and updating your production facility design and repair needs
Learning about new technology and developments to improve your production systems, nutrition program, and swine health
A checklist is provided in the Appendix of the PQA book to evaluate your implementation of the Good Production Practices in your operation.
Two years after you complete the PQA program contact the National Pork Board or your Educator to receive another copy of the PQA book, review your production practices with your educator and submit your education card.

46. Quality Assurance® A Program for America’s Pork Producers
Perceived safety, wholesomeness, and nutritional value of food products influence consumer buying decisions. If consumers are not confident that a product is of the highest quality they have come to expect, they will not purchase it.
Implementing PQA on every farm will help the industry protect or even expand its markets by reducing the risk of incidents that could erode consumer confidence in the safety, quality, and wholesomeness of pork.
By completing your PQA education, you join thousands of your fellow pork producers across the U.S. who have made this commitment as professional pork producers.