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Q1: What is the difference between the USDA Process Verified Program (PVP) and the USDA Quality Assessment Program (QSA) Program?
A: Both the UDSA PVP and QSA Program are formats for companies to create a documented quality management system to address requirements that a company must develop, implement, and maintain to ensure product meets specified product requirements.
There are 4 main differences between these two programs; the differences are outlined below:
| PVP
| QSA Program
| Contains ALL ISO 9001:2000 Elements, plus USDA requirements.
| Contain most ISO 9001:2000 Elements, plus USDA requirements.
| Audit a minimum of once per year.
| Audited a minimum of twice per year.
| Freedom to develop individual claims including those outlined in QSA.
| Limited to age, source, and NHTC claims.
| The PVP Shield and terminology can be used in marketing materials.
| Currently, there is no shield available to use in marketing materials.
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