AURORA, Ill. – OSI Group LLC announced its sponsorship of two major animal-welfare initiatives, and its membership in the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (PDPW).

OSI Group has become an ongoing sponsor of the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO). Each year, OSI will sponsor one of two Meat Plant Auditor Training events. Additionally, OSI will sponsor one of two annual Poultry Welfare Auditor Training events held by PAACO.


OSI also will send one representative to the training on the company's behalf. The OSI Quality Systems and Food Protection Department can choose an internal candidate for training or the company can pass on the registration for this paid training to an employee of one of its raw material vendors. PAACO promotes humane treatment of animals through education and certification of animal auditors, as well as the review and certification of animal audit instruments, assessments and programs.

OSI also has become an ongoing sponsor to the AMIF Animal Care & Handling Conference. Leading academic experts in the field offer instruction at a range of levels, from beginner to advanced, and their presentations will be complemented by practical insights from industry experts. The 2013 conference is set for Oct. 16-17, 2013, at the Westin Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo.

Finally, OSI became a member of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, a first for the company. Through its membership in PDPW, the company hopes “to connect and interact on animal care, handling and other sustainability challenges that dairy producers face.”

“It’s rewarding for me to assist in the continuation of a legacy of supporting well-recognized organizations on behalf of OSI Group,” said Jennifer Raspaldo, raw material quality systems manager for OSI. “These annual contributions exhibit OSI’s serious commitment to continuous improvement in animal welfare.”