Today’s food is safer than it ever has been. This is in large part thanks to the PigSAFE | PigCARE programs under Canadian Pork Excellence (CPE). View the CPE program manual.
On-farm quality assurance demonstrates to consumers that Canadian pork producers are following standards of production that promote a safe and wholesome product. With CPE, Canada’s pork industry can maintain and enhance competitiveness with international markets.
The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) owns and is responsible for the development of on-farm quality assurance programs. Provincial organizations like Alberta Pork are responsible for program delivery and administration, as well as for validator training. Producers are responsible for the implementation and upkeep of these programs for their farms.
Validation (auditing and inspection) gives credibility to the on-farm quality assurance. Highly qualified professionals (veterinarians or animal scientists) visit producers' farms to determine whether they are meeting the requirements of these programs. Validation ensures that these programs are implemented as documented and that they are effective in controlling or minimizing specific hazards.
For more information about on-farm quality assurance, producers and validators can contact Javier Bahamon, Quality Assurance and Production Manager, Alberta Pork by email at javier.bahamon@albertapork.com or by phone at 780-469-8982, toll-free at 1-877-247-PORK (7675).