- USDA Agricultural Marketing Service verifies IMPROVEST® Quality Management System for on-farm procedures
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service confirms IMPROVEST-managed hogs arriving to a packing plant with proper certification should be classified as barrows by inspectors
FLORHAM PARK, N.J., July 8, 2013 – U.S. pork producers and the packers that harvest the meat they produce now have the added assurance that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved two processes regarding the use of IMPROVEST® (gonadotropin releasing factor analog – diphtheria toxoid conjugate). IMPROVEST, an immunological product, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the temporary immunological castration and reduction of boar taint* in intact male pigs intended for slaughter.
“The use of IMPROVEST is a major shift for the entire pork chain, and we voluntarily sought these extra approvals to help ensure that our customers have the utmost confidence using IMPROVEST,” said Gloria Basse, Vice-president, Zoetis, U.S. Pork Business Unit.
Process Verified Program Certification
The USDA Process Verified Program (PVP) verifies that the IMPROVEST Quality Management System (QMS), designed by Zoetis, assures that IMPROVEST is administered properly on the farm through a closely audited process. The IMPROVEST PVP documents and records farm employee training, and tracks and certifies all steps involved in administering IMPROVEST. Oversight is provided by Zoetis Area Application Managers, Quality Assurance Supervisors and Zoetis senior management.
The IMPROVEST PVP includes a certificate for delivery that carries a USDA Process Verified shield with IMPROVEST-managed hogs when transported to plants, which means the hogs can be traced back to confirm all process verified points. The USDA PVP ensures consistent auditing practices by companies that supply agricultural products or services. The IMPROVEST process will be audited by the company quarterly, and by USDA annually, to confirm that Zoetis adheres to the defined PVP.
Food Safety and Inspection Service Notice
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) notice informs inspection staff that hogs presented at harvest with the IMPROVEST Quality Assurance Certificate are to be classified as barrows* and therefore do not warrant testing for off odors during inspection. Zoetis supported thorough education and training of both FSIS headquarter and regional inspectors on the characteristics and parameters by which IMPROVEST-managed pigs should be examined. Detailed training materials are available on the FSIS website for reference and for training of new inspection personnel.
“These USDA approvals should instill confidence for producers, packers and in-plant inspection personnel that the IMPROVEST-managed process was followed and has met all expectations,” explained Gary Kahle, Improvest Quality Operations Manager, Zoetis U.S. Pork Business Unit. “The education and training materials created by FSIS for its personnel will help assure consistency and efficiency across the country and amongst inspectors.”
More information about the USDA PVP for IMPROVEST can be found at the USDA’s website; and information about the USDA FSIS notice is available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISNotices/01-13.pdf.
About IMPROVEST®
IMPROVEST® is an FDA-approved veterinary prescription product that is a safe and effective alternative to physical castration. It is a protein compound that works like an immunization to protect against unpleasant aromas that can occur when cooking pork from some intact male pigs. It uses the pig’s own immune system to provide the same effect as physical castration, but much later in the male pig’s life than physical castration is traditionally done. For more information on how IMPROVEST works, visit www.IMPROVEST.com.
Important Safety Information about Improvest: Pregnant women should not administer Improvest. Women of childbearing age, as well as men, should exercise extreme caution when administering this product. Exercise special care to prevent accidental self-injection because of negative effects on reproductive physiology in both men and women. However, there is no risk associated with consuming pork from animals administered this product. Improvest should not be used in female pigs, barrows, or male pigs intended for breeding.
Click here to see the full Prescribing Information.
*boar taint is an unpleasant odor or taste that can occur when cooking and eating pork from some intact male pigs.
*barrows are castrated male pigs.
About Zoetis
Zoetis (zō-EH-tis) is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting customers and businesses focused on raising and caring for livestock and companion animals. Building on a 60-year history as the animal health business of Pfizer, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products and genetic tests and supported by a range of services. The company generated annual revenues of $4.3 billion in 2012. It has more than 9,300 employees worldwide and a local presence in approximately 70 countries, including 29 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries. Its products serve veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for livestock and companion animals in 120 countries. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.
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IMPROVEST is a registered trademark of Zoetis, Inc. ©2013 Zoetis Inc. All rights reserved. IMP13001
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