Beef Quality Assurance

2 Pages 476 Words

The Beef Quality Assurance Program (BQA) is a voluntary program, in which beef producers hope to not only enhance their product, but also to increase marketability. Beef Quality Assurance Programs can identify potential problem areas and assist in avoiding potential product defects. Beef Quality Assurance Programs insure that through correct animal handling and care procedures, the public can rest assure that beef is safe.
In the early 1980's, the United States Department of Agriculture-Food Safety Inspection Service began to work alongside the beef industry in order to develop a pre-harvest safety program, which later acquired the name of Beef Quality Assurance Program. The Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) originated the first state program in the United States, the Beef Quality Assurance Program has grown so much that it now includes over 90 percent of today’s total beef production and 98 percent of all cattle fed in country.
There are many goals and guidelines which must be observed in order for a Beef Quality Assurance Program to be successful.

The National Beef Quality Audit proposes to make beef a superior product, the following goals must be achieved: 1. “Eliminate injection site lesions from whole muscle cuts, including the chuck.”
2. “Eliminate major and critical bruises that result in loss of value of subprimals.”
3. “Develop and implement a voluntary, industry-driven and standardized electronic ID system.”
4. “Develop an information system that allows each producer to conduct a quality audit of his or her own herd.”
5. “Provide BQA training for all producers.”
6. “Improve transportation practices and cattle handling equipment.”
7. “Reduce horns to less than 5% of the fed cattle supply.”
8. “Eliminate USDA Standard grade carcasses.”
9. “Eliminate Yield Grade 4's and 5's.”
10. “Eliminate side-branded hides.”

11. “Accompany all se...