‘Pork is safe to eat’ despite swine flu, industry assures

How ‘the other white meat’ is putting its money where your mouth is

You can still put bacon on your club sandwich. Or grill up some baby back ribs this weekend.

The pork industry wants to let you know that it’s OK to consume pork chops, ham, bacon, pork roll, Canadian bacon, and even chitterlings.

As media reports of swine flu are dominated with images of pigs and hogs, pork industry reps are employing crisis communications protocol to get their message out to consumers, producers, and global markets.

Dave Warner, director of communications of the National Pork Producers Council, says he and his team started putting their plan into full swing on Thursday. He’s pleased with how they’re handling the situation.

“Our message got out there pretty well,” Warner says. “I don’t think we’re going to see much of a dropoff in consumption. If we do, we’re sure we’ll be able to make up for it in the weeks to follow.”

Last Friday, the council set up a conference call with the National Pork Board. Based in Iowa, the National Pork Board deals more with research into pork; the council, in Washington, D.C., concentrates on lobbying efforts.