Even in cultured products, however, potential contamination by pesticides, drugs, or other environmental factors is becoming a major consumer concern. Catfish producers responded to increased consumer awareness and sensitivity with a Catfish Quality Assurance Program. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that catfish production practices are safe, carefully monitored, and that the safety and quality of farm-raised catfish can be assured. Catfish producers recognize that a producer-client relationship built on mutual trust and confidence is paramount to the survival of the industry. Catfish producers are aware, however, that quality assurance goes far beyond the pond bank.
Quality assurance begins, and hinges upon, activities at the production level.
The quality of the product as it leaves the farm greatly influences the quality of the product reaching the consumer. The strong and positive relationship that catfish enjoys with its consumers must be maintained, nurtured, and enhanced. CQA will serve to cement that relationship. CQA demonstrates a strong commitment to quality assurance and will be an asset in maintaining consumer confidence and in confronting any false or negative perceptions about our product. Producing catfish is a highly specialized business requiring large capital outlays and unique production skills.