October 17, 2006

Canadian pork producer receives approval to market pork with selenium

Prairie Orchard Farms a Canadian pork producer from Winnipeg, Manitoba, has received permission from USDA to market its pork as an "excellent source of selenium" and to state so in its packaging.

Selenium is an antioxidant believed to help prevent major cancers such as prostate cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer, as well as Alzheimer's disease.

The company earlier this year received approval to market its pork as high in Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is another antioxidant believed to help prevent heart problems.

Although the company has received approval to use the claim in the US, it has yet to receive approval in Canada.  The company's pork would be shipped both in the US and Canada.