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NEWS ROUNDUP

WINNERS NAMED IN CONSUMER'S CHOICE PORK AWARDSd has announced the winning companies in the second annual Consumer's Choice Pork Awards, honoring new products judged on taste, convenience and innovation. This year, the NPB received more than 80 entries from consumers, manufacturers and retailers. From them, the list was pared down to 10, from which consumers chose the top five. This year's winner's

WINNERS NAMED IN CONSUMER'S CHOICE PORK AWARDS

d has announced the winning companies in the second annual Consumer's Choice Pork Awards, honoring new products judged on taste, convenience and innovation. This year, the NPB received more than 80 entries from consumers, manufacturers and retailers. From them, the list was pared down to 10, from which consumers chose the top five. This year's winner's -- who earn the right to use an official winner's seal on their packaging for one year -- were: Pork Roast Au Jus, Hormel Foods Corp.; Heat & Serve Brats, Johnsonville Sausage; Quick'n'Easy Gourmet Entrees Pork Roast in Bourbon Sauce, RMH Foods; Jimmy Dean Fresh Taste Fast! Black Pepper Premium Precooked Bacon Slices; and Maple and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, Tyson Foods.

EGG PRODUCERS COMPLY WITH WELFARE RULES: AUDIT

ATLANTA -- Independent auditors gauging compliance with animal-welfare guidelines announced last year found that there is a "high level of compliance" among the 20% of egg producers inspected so far, according to the United Egg Producers. The inspections, which are being conducted by third-party entities including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, examine all production operations and facilities to ensure producers are following the standards established by the UEP as part of a larger umbrella initiative covering all food animals. More than 80% of the shell egg industry has enrolled in the program, and certification is expected to be completed in May, UEP officials said. The guidelines place top priority on such issues as cage space, feed and water supplies, molting procedures, beak trimming and handling, among others.

NEW AMERICAN LAMB BOARD BEGINS OPERATIONS

DENVER -- The newly formed American Lamb Board announced plans to begin marketing activity following its first advertising campaign in 10 years. The ALB, comprised of 13 U.S. lamb industry representatives and funded by a checkoff program, will focus on the Easter/Passover holidays, key lamb occasions, according to officials. Additionally, the organization is participating in the International Association of Culinary Professionals' annual meeting this month as part of its culinary outreach. Retail promotions and advertising will be implemented as the ALB develops long-range plans, officials said. Programs will be geared toward educating consumers about the attributes of American lamb, including size, tenderness and flavor, they said.