SASKATCHEWAN PORK PRODUCTS REMAIN SAFE

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud and Sask Pork chairman Joe Kleinsasser are reassuring consumers that pork and pork products remain completely safe, despite the current outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus.

Recent statements made by the World Health Organization about food safety risks associated with pork products, although later retracted, have caused unnecessary concerns for consumers and importing countries relative to the safety of Canadian pork.

"Science has proven that H1N1 Influenza poses no food safety risk," Bjornerud said. "I am calling on our trading partners to ensure they base their decisions on science, not emotion."

There is no risk of contracting this virus from eating pork products.

"As consumers, you can be confident the pork you buy and serve to your family is raised according to the highest possible standards," Kleinsasser said. "The pork raised here is considered to be of the highest quality in the world and is exported to more than 80 countries."

The Government of Saskatchewan will continue to work with the province's pork industry to ensure the long-term viability of pork production in Saskatchewan.

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For more information, contact:

Jenna Webb
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Jay McGrath
Saskatchewan Pork Development Board
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-365-9991