PQS
Certification Office provides a service of certification of compliance with Technical Criteria of the PQS
The PQS Quality Pork (Pork Quality System) was recognized as a national food quality system by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development - in his Decision of 11 December 2009.
The PQS quality system was developed by the Polish Pig Breeders and Producers Association „POLSUS” and the Polish Meat Association in order to produce high quality pork.
Pork Quality System is based primarily on using proper pig breeds and special feeding rules. PQS covers production on farm: pig breeding and pig production and pre-slaughter procedure followed by meat processing. PQS standards designed for each level of pork production have a great impact on final product quality and guarantee high quality of pork produced in the system.
Pork produced in the system has a lot of favourable parameters that help it stay fresh longer, enhance its culinary and processing usefulness, is savoury and attractive to consumers. Raw pork produced according to PQS rules may be the base to produce high quality processed meat products.
It should be underlined that pork production according to PQS standards is in alliance with current welfare and animals and human health regulations as well as in respect of natural environment.
System is voluntary and open which means that all participants of the pork production chain are welcome to join it provided that they will obey additional standards designed for each production stage.
Identification system designed in PQS for animals and carcasses guarantees full traceability of the final product from a piece of pork back to the herd where it came from.
PQS guarantees credibility in quality and identification of the final product. Both features are confirmed after control performed by independent certification body. When confirmed that breeders, producers and meat plants fulfil PQS Technical Criteria they all obtain certificates which are a prouf of producing pork according to the system requirements. All certified farms/plants are allowed to use PQS logo which is a common guarantee trade mark. PQS logo ensures consumers that the final product fulfils strict quality criteria and helps them make buying decisions.
PQS promotes close cooperation between breeders, pig producers and meat processors. Close cooperation between them enhances their economic power and helps them adjust the production profile to consumers needs, which is profitable for both breeders and processors.
System Openness. The system is open to all farmers, agricultural producers and processors, members of the "POLSUS" and Polish Meat and those not belonging to these associations. The only criterion required for admission to the system is the quality of the product. The owner of the PQS indication can't refuse, without good reason, the right to use the logo for entrepreneurs who meet the criteria set out in the regulations and are certified in accordance with the Technical Criteria. Participation in the scheme is completely voluntary.
Approval. In accordance with paragraph 9 of the PQSTrademark Rules and Regulations - inspection and certification of compliance with the PQS criteria can only be carried out by Certification Bodies approved by the Polish Pig Breeders and Producers Association „POLSUS” and the Polish Meat Association.
Certification. Anyone interested in obtaining certificate of compliance with the Technical Criteria should read the certification program.