Pork Producers React to 60 Minutes Interview

In October 2019, journalist Lesley Stahl conducted an 80-minute interview with Dr. Liz Wagstrom, chief veterinarian of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). The “60 Minutes” story that aired on Jan. 5, 2020, included less than two minutes of Dr. Wagstrom’s comments and failed to include critical information about modern pork production. The U.S. pork industry has an excellent food safety record and NPPC is proud to represent hog farmers who provide the safest, healthiest and most affordable pork in the world. Here’s what consumers should know about U.S. pork:

 

 

The United States pork production system is the envy of the world and yields the safest, highest-quality and most affordable pork available. U.S. pork producers adhere to rigorous government regulations and stringent production standards defined by the industry’s Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) Plus program. Food safety truly is a team effort – from the farm to processing facilities to consumers who must be informed about food handling and cooking temperatures. Close scrutiny of U.S. government data shows that American consumers can take pride not only in the quality, but indisputably in the safety of U.S. pork.

 

 

U.S. pork producers have been committed to responsible antibiotic use for decades. They supported regulations adopted three years ago requiring veterinary oversight and limiting the use of antibiotics important for human medicine. These regulations and the industry’s PQA Plus certification program require farmers to form client-patient relationships with licensed veterinarians. Only these veterinarians can prescribe antibiotics on farm. Sales data reflects declining use of antibiotics in livestock. Since 2015, there has been a 41 percent decline in antibiotic sales used for livestock.

 

Although there’s broad scientific acknowledgment that the use of antibiotics in people is the primary source of antibiotic resistance, agriculture is committed to responsible use in animals to minimize any contribution. Both the medical and animal health communities are working to reduce the need to use antibiotics to ensure they’re available and effective for people and animals.

 

The PQA Plus certification program includes on-farm assessments to evaluate how antibiotics are used. We stand by the safety, affordability and nutritional value of U.S. pork as second-to-none in the world.