Our Commitments

A “Farm to Table Quality Assurance” is provided by participating farmers and processors using the Verified Canadian Pork™ brand. Consumers can be assured that by purchasing Verified Canadian Pork, they are getting “premium quality Canadian pork traditionally raised and minimally processed under the highest food safety standards in the world”. 

Food Safety

In order to insure the quality of Canadian pork products, hog producers are accredited through the Canadian Quality Assurance (CQA) system which is an auditable program based on HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles. CQA promotes and ensures best on-farm practices to reduce or eliminate potential safety and meat quality hazards. Click here for more information about food safety. 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) safeguards Canada’s food supply through the enforcement of Canada’s Meat Inspection Act under federal law. For more information, visit Meat Inspection Regulations.

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Animal Care

A hog producer’s priority and main concern is the health of its animals. Canadian hog producers follow National Farm Animal Care Council's Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Pigs

Quality Feed

Canadian hogs are fed grain-based rations - barley, corn, wheat, peas, and soy. Vitamin and mineral supplements are added to meet the animal's nutritional needs.

No Added Hormones

There are no hormones licensed for use in Canadian hog production. In addition, no steroids, are used by Verified Canadian Pork^tm producers.

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Traceability

PigTrace is an industry led, federally regulated live animal traceability initiative designed to ensure protection, prosperity and peace of mind for the Canadian pork industry and its customers.

As more consumers question the source of their food, PigTrace offers supply chain confidence, both domestically and globally through the program's ability to demonstrate source verification.

Canada is the only North American country to implement a mandatory identification and traceability system for pigs. For more information, visit PigTrace.

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Nutrition

Powerhouse of Nutrition    

Containing many essential nutrients required to optimize growth, development and repair of the body, pork makes a valuable contribution to a healthy, balanced pattern of eating. 

Many Canadians are over fed and under nourished resulting in significant negative health consequences.   Obesity has tripled in a generation and 22% of the calories we consume come from fats and oils, condiments, candy, chips and pop. Dietary patterns have shifted away from fresh and minimally processed foods to include alarming amounts of added sugars and ultra-processed foods.  

Canadians need to focus on getting nutritious food like pork into their diets. Canada’s Food Guide provides guidance for Canadians of all ages on healthy eating patterns.