This protocol accreditation helps to ensure operational consistency for packers and their producer suppliers who adopt IMPROVEST that product protocols are comprehensive and will remain stable over time.

The previous FSIS Notice acknowledged that hogs presented at harvesting facilities with the IMPROVEST Quality Assurance Certificate are to be classified as barrows; and therefore, do not warrant testing for off odors during inspection. The classification change to Directive signals that protocols for using IMPROVEST are no longer subject to annual review, although Zoetis will continue to audit and refine those protocols as necessary.

"It's important that our processes for using IMPROVEST meet the highest standards on the farm and at the processing plant," said Gloria Basse, Vice President, US Pork Business Unit, Zoetis.

"As we continue to work with packers on processing pigs raised using IMPROVEST, this FSIS status upgrade further validates IMPROVEST as a production option for the entire pork industry."

IMPROVEST is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the temporary immunological castration and reduction of boar taint in intact male pigs intended for pork.

IMPROVEST had been under FSIS Notice classification since January 2013. The status upgrade is the latest in a series of protocol accreditations detailed below.

"We're pleased the USDA, AMS and FSIS have recognized that our current on-farm protocols are thorough and allow producers and packers to produce high-quality pork," said Gary Kahle, IMPROVEST Quality Operations Manager, U.S. Pork Business Unit, Zoetis.

"Producers who choose to use IMPROVEST to manage off odors in pork can be confident processes will remain stable and that the product they supply will meet federal inspection standards at the processing house."