While tracking my daily Google alerts for stories that we might want to follow up on, I came across a promotion I felt I had to share with our readers. The cafeterias of Pfizer Animal Health, a division of pharmaceutical company Pfizer Corp., are participating in a contest to see which unit can eat the most pork in a three-month period.
The Love That Pork Challenge, is being sponsored by the National Pork Board. Pfizer Animal Health has operations in 60 countries, although the press release I saw about the promotion didn’t indicate how many units were participating in the promotion. Nor did it say what kind of prize these cafeterias were competing for. However, this is what I did read in the release.
"It's a great challenge that has provided information about the healthy aspects of eating pork and information on how to properly prepare and cook it," says Gloria Basse, group director, Pfizer Animal Health pork business unit. "This has been an excellent way for us to celebrate National Pork Month, and this challenge is helping educate others about the health benefits of consuming pork."
The story caught my interest for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the seeming contradiction between “animal health” and a contest that encourages employees to eat more of those animals.
I understand what Pfizer Animal Health’s role is in the food chain, so I’m not suggesting that anyone should be incensed by this promotion. I simply find the whole thing amusing, including Ms. Basse’s comment about “celebrating National Pork Month”, and I plan to contact Pfizer to learn more for more information. I’ll update my blog as I get more details.