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Media Resources
Media are invited to use the information and quotes on the ABQSH site for purposes that may include feature stories, releases and news items.
Fast Facts
Who are we? Alberta Beef Quality Starts Here. A not for profit entity representing almost every sector of the beef industry in Alberta. For a complete listing of members please see the Board of Directors section of the website.
The on-farm program we deliver is: Verified Beef Production. The program is voluntary.
The program is delivered in Alberta through: Alberta Beef Quality Starts Here.
The national on-farm food safety program is: Verified Beef Production
Safety standards for beef production are based on: Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), which is an internationally recognized preventive risk management process to reduce potential food safety risks.
The program goal: To produce safe, wholesome, in-demand beef.
The ABQSH mission: To serve Alberta’s beef cattle producers by delivering the national, HACCP based, beef on-farm food safety program.
Why beef?
All major national livestock, poultry and general farm organizations have set up or are setting up similar safe food programs.
What are the issues?
Safe food production on farms across Canada is one issue. The public’s concern that their food is safe is the second major issue.
What kinds of safety procedures are beef producers being asked to implement?
Safe cattle injections, safe handling procedures to reduce on-farm worker injuries and waiting times after injections are a few of the areas covered.
How does ABQSH know that the program requirements for certification are being implemented on farm?
Producers who complete program requirements are audited by an independent, qualified auditor.
Does that mean that non-certified farms produce unsafe beef?
Not at all. Beef producers are concerned about safety and many already have procedures in place. ABQSH certification takes implementation of safety procedures to a new level.
Protect Alberta’s Reputation for Quality Beef
Canadian beef is a high quality product, recognized internationally for its excellence. As a proactive move to provide customers with formal assurances of our commitment to producing beef to the highest standards, the Canadian beef industry developed the national, beef on-farm food safety program called “Verified Beef Production.”
To demonstrate their commitment to safe food and safe production practices, Alberta beef producers are encouraged to register for the voluntary Verified Beef Production program and become certified.
The VBP program is grass-roots driven and industry-led. It’s also part of a dedicated effort by Canada’s food providers to ensure that the highest safety standards are applied to every area of food production.
Alberta’s beef producers already have a reputation for acting responsibly. The Verified Beef Production program takes that to a new and certifiable level.
Media Ready Quotes
Pat Burrage, BSc., DVM
Director, ABQSH
"The number one question in any food related commodity is food safety. Developing food safety is part of the evolution of any agricultural commodity.”
Millie Boake
Cattle Producer and Past Member of the Board
“The Verified Beef Program gives us the reputation for food safety. The food safety we practice as producers in Alberta goes a long way toward the excellent quality of beef we raise.”
Pat Burrage, BSc., DVM
Director, ABQSH
"By introducing the certification program, the ABQSH is taking a pro-active approach to beef safety."
Pat Burrage, BSc., DVM
Director, ABQSH
"More people are recognizing that beef safety certification will happen. We’re hoping that major food industry participants like Cargill and McDonalds will start demanding beef that’s produced in a certification program and won’t take product unless it’s been produced in this type of program."
Millie Boake
Cattle Producer and Past Member of the Board
“The biggest benefit of the ABQSH program is our pride in knowing that the consumer is confident that they are purchasing the healthiest and safest product available to serve to their families.”
Images
These images are available for general use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Please credit Alberta Beef Quality Starts Here.
((cattle images, ranch images – 4)
For more information, contact
Eileen Leslie
Provincial Coordinator
1-866-242-7404
eileen@beefsafety.ab.ca
Alberta Beef Quality Starts Here