To further build consumer confidence that the pork on their plate was raised with the highest standards of science-based animal care, NPB undertook the rigorous USDA audit process to demonstrate their national programs, Pork Quality Assurance (PQA®) Plus, PQA Site Assessment, Transport Quality Assurance (TQA®) and Youth for Quality Care of Animals comply with international animal welfare standards set by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
USDA has certified the national programs as compliant with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Specification 34700, titled Animal Welfare Management/General Requirements and Guidance for Organizations in the Food Supply Chain.
The ISO specification was developed in 2016 to provide a path for programs to show they are aligned with the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code principles and ensure the welfare of farm animals across the supply chain.
Read more about the ISO certifications or become PQA or TQA certified at porkcheckoff.org.