Quality assurance improves consumer confidence

Consumers are more aware than ever about the quality and safety of the food products they purchase. Quality Assurance programs are the cornerstone of the livestock industry's quality and safety efforts. The overarching goal of quality assurance in all species is to deliver a healthy, safe and wholesome product to consumers.

In the late 80s, pork producers developed the Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) program to educate and certify their participants on how to reduce the risk of volatile animal health product residues in pork. In 2007, PQA became PQA Plus as consumer interests in management practices increased. It maintains its food safety emphasis while also providing information on animal wellbeing, proper medication techniques, hazard analysis and recordkeeping.

If you are interested in becoming PQA Plus certified, contact the extension office or visit the National Pork Board website at www.pork.org.

In the late 1970s, a program was created to confront and discuss real and perceived beef safety issues. Today that program has developed into Beef Quality Assurance (BQA). It focuses on educating and training cattle producers, farm advisors and veterinarians on issues in beef safety and quality. BQA includes hazard analysis and planning; proper vaccine handling; administration of vaccines at the proper injection site; management documentation and recordkeeping; proper cattle handling and cattle care.

As a producer, you have the opportunity to participate in the Beef Quality Assurance training. On Dec. 6, a BQA Certification will be held at the Southeast Kansas Stockyards in Gas, Kan. The program will begin at 5 p.m. RSVP by Dec. 2 to the Southwind Extension District --Fort Scott office at (620) 223-3720. Dinner will be sponsored by Emprise Bank.

Oftentimes, when the animal ag industry in shown in a negative light, it comes after an incident involving improper animal handling. Just like with any industry, there are bad apples and bad judgments, and those are the remembered stories.

Consumers are more likely to select beef, pork, chicken or other animal proteins for their nutrient source if they understand and feel confident that the product was raised, processed and produced following the highest standards of animal welfare. As a producer, consider becoming certified in quality assurance and show your consumers that livestock are cared for properly and can provide a wholesome protein choice for their families and yours.

If you are interested in quality assurance programs for additional species, please contact the extension office for further information.