Learn about the characteristics of EU pork
EU Pork is unique
The European Union has a long-standing history of pig farming. Millennia of experience and centuries of technological developments have shaped the current strategy, which follows the whole production process to define the highest standards in the world.
Due to its popularity and importance, the pig farming industry developed fast over the centuries, and the small family farms turned into one of the most relevant industries in the European Union. Traditional farmers saw the need of investing in technology, genetics, nutrition and integration to create the modern and sustainable industry that we have today.
Today, the EU is the second pork producer (after China) and the largest exporter of pork and pork products in the world. This was achieved thanks to the strong foundations of pig farming in Europe and the highest standards in the world for sustainability, food safety, animal welfare, traceability, quality and taste making EU Pork, the smart choice.
Safety
The food safety policy of the European Commission regarding food from animal origin such as pork is implemented controlling the whole meat production chain. The main objective of this policy is to ensure high levels of consumer health protection and benefit consumer interest.
These safety standards determine strict principles for food production, starting from the animal feed and medication used up to the transportation, slaughtering, cutting, processing and packaging of the final product.
Quality
The production of pork in the European Union meets the highest quality standards in many different aspects, from the care and safety of animals to the nutritional values of the final product and its organoleptic characteristics. Through centuries of breeding experience and the constant improvement and implementation of the technology available, the European pork industry has achieved the best quality meat which stands out for its protein and fat quality, juiciness and tenderness.
Animal welfare
Animal welfare is crucial to both the pigs and the quality of the end product, that is why the European Union has put in place rigorous mechanisms to ensure that pigs are well cared for from the moment they are born until the slaughter.
Sustainability
Sustainability has been in the European Union’s agenda for over 20 years, focusing on sustainable development through its economic, social and environmental dimensions.
Following EU legislation, there are established restrictions on industrial emissions that affect intensive pig farms. Moreover, the EU published a set of guidelines that cover how different on-farm processes and activities are managed, establishing set limits to reduce the impact of intensive pig farming in the environment.
Cuts
Every pork cut is delicious in its own manner, knowing where it comes from, and how to cook each part is essential to obtain the maximmum value and the best result out of pork.
