Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 1/7/19



Now that 2019 is a reality, many beef producers need to provide Beef Quality Assurance certification in order to sell to major packers and consumers.

As of Jan. 1, all beef suppliers to Tyson Fresh Meats must be certified through the National Cattlemens Beef Association's BQA program. All suppliers to Wendy's — which includes Tyson — must also be BQA-certified as of the beginning of the year, according to producer media.

In addition, Cargill was on track to ensure that 90 percent of its suppliers are BQA-certified as of the end of 2018. The company said on its website that it is working with the Canadian beef industry on a similar program. 

The BQA program is three decades old, and is seen as a means of satisfying growing consumers' desire for more information about the food they eat. BQA.org's online certification program is free of charge.

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