BPEX

Processor KT

Visual appeal is important in attracting consumers to buy pork while eating quality helps determine the level of repeat purchases. BPEX has funded considerable research on the eating quality of pork and established the Pork Chain Unit (PCU) at the University of Bristol (Langford) to respond to industry concern over the variation in quality of English pork.

Target Pork Quality

This series of factsheets is aimed at anybody working to improve pig meat eating quality.

1. Opportunities for improving the quality of pork - This updated Blueprint summarises opportunities for improving the quality of pork
2. The use of pH meters at pork processing plants - This describes the use of pH meters in abattoirs and details the simple inexpensive equipment that is available.
3. Carcase chilling systems and their impact on meat quality - This looks at the current chilling systems in England and their characteristics
4. Ageing and the impact on meat quality -This factsheet discusses the effects of ageing on pork quality attributes and provides recommendations on how to age pork
5. Evaluating pork eating quality - A guide to good practice for taste panels.

Lorry wash facility assessment

The lorry wash facility assessment sheet and accompanying guidelines are part of a new initiative to decrease the risk of disease transmission within the industry. A survey of facilities has been launched, where lorry wash users are asked to complete and return the straightforward assessment sheet to BPEX and the Pig Task Force Committee. All lorry wash users who submit contact details with their assessment sheet will be entered into a draw to win £50 cash.

The survey information will be collated and fed back to both the abattoirs and the task force to identify where improvements can be made and how the industry can address those areas to improve pig health.

Lorry wash - score of quality of facility assessment

Lorry wash - score of quality of facility

For more information contact Colin Stone on: 07816 941 223

Hunt is on for new ideas as BPEX rekindles entrepreneurial spirit

Rekindling the entrepreneurial spirit in UK pig producers and processors and helping them put new ideas into practice – that’s the aim of the BPEX Innovation Fund.

Established in 2008, the initiative has already provided thousands of pounds to enable producers, often in partnership with the allied industry, to develop projects they believe will make life easier and more profitable.

“We believe this is the best way to spread new practices across the industry, helping people to look at things in a different light” said BPEX chairman Stewart Houston. “We want to promote innovation and there is still plenty of cash available.

Individual applicants for Innovation Fund support must be BPEX levy payers and applicant groups should contain at least one BPEX levy payer. Once a project has been approved for funding, BPEX will provide ongoing support in all areas, as appropriate, from a member of its KT team.

More information can be found here.

Carcase classification

Carcase classification provides the common language for communicating carcase quality through the supply chain. Within the European Union, pig carcase classification methods are required to estimate lean meat percentage of the carcase. In Great Britain, the following methods have been approved for use:

Intrascope or optical probe
Fat-O-Meater (FOM)
Hennessey Grading Probe
CSB Ultra-Meater
Autofom

For more information click here.

Meat quality

Visual appeal is important in attracting consumers to buy pork. Eating quality helps determine the level of repeat purchases – if pork is tough the frequency of purchase is likely to be reduced. BPEX has funded considerable research on the eating quality of pork. and has sought to clarify the role of on-farm factors on quality.

For further detail on this research click here.

Page last updated on 24 May 2010