High standards of safety and control
The high standards of food safety and control in our production and for our products are also the prerequisite for our position in the global market. We have robust systems to ensure traceability to the group of slaughter animals delivered by the individual farmer, and we also have strict self-check programmes based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) to identify potential food hazards.
Food safety is about continuous training and working with our culture. Only with openness about potential hazards and errors, we can ensure that these are handled effectively.
In addition, we have clear procedures for potential product recalls and for information to the public.
The majority of our facilities are third-party certified in terms of food safety. Specific certifications are adapted to the production and context of the specific facility.
Pork and beef without drug residue
Years of dedicated breeding have resulted in healthy and strong pigs which are resistant to diseases, and the use of antibiotics in Danish and Swedish farms is currently among the lowest in the world. We engage in ongoing dialogue with our farmers about limiting the use of antibiotics to a minimum, as excessive use may cause animals and humans to develop resistance. As part of the Climate Track, which is part of our sustainability programme, our farmers define targets for how to reduce the use of antibiotics.
Antibiotics may, however, be required in order to combat diseases. If slaughter animals are treated with antibiotics, the farmer must record the treatment, label the animal and observe a retention period before sending the animal to be slaughtered. At the abattoirs, we test the pigs randomly for any antibiotic residues to ensure that our pork is free of antibiotic residues. Furthermore, in Denmark, Sweden and Poland we produce special pigs raised without the use of antibiotics.
Controlling contagious diseases
The ability to keep highly contagious diseases from entering Denmark is one of the basic conditions of our export agreements worldwide. Consequently, we pay great attention to the development of African swine fever (ASF), which has never been found in Denmark. Unfortunately, both Poland and Germany were affected by ASF, which had a major impact on the commercial potential in export markets. In both countries, we were very much focused on establishing barriers to infection and good collaboration with the authorities to ensure that any infection is eliminated and to minimise the risk of spreading the infection in Denmark.