The USDA Poultry Export Verification (PEV) Program was developed to assist the U.S. Poultry Industry in marketing poultry to the European Union, but may be expanded to include other specific countries or groups of countries. The PEV Program requirements apply to eligible U.S. suppliers of poultry products that supply poultry to processing establishments for export to the European Union. Suppliers who wish to meet the specified product requirements for the European Union under the PEV Program must meet these requirements through an approved USDA Quality System Assessment (QSA) Program. The QSA Program provides companies that supply agricultural products and services the opportunity to assure customers of their ability to provide consistent quality products or services. It is limited to programs or portions of programs where specified product requirements are supported by a documented quality management system.
Once suppliers are approved under the PEV Program to supply product identified as meeting the requirements, they are added to the Official Listing of PEV Suppliers. In addition, eligible product must be produced under an approved Program and be identified as meeting the requirements of the applicable USDA PEV Program. Products approved under the PEV Program, that also meet FSIS and European Union requirements, may be issued a Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) Export certificate which includes the applicable statement as listed in the FSIS Library of Export Requirements. Approved PEV suppliers must submit an updated list of all eligible product items intended for shipment.
Trained Grading Branch auditors have the responsibility for reviewing and approving companies as eligible suppliers of poultry products under the PEV Program.
Source: USDA