Pork comes from four different primal areas of the pig: the loin (back area), leg, shoulder and the belly. Each primal area differs in its characteristics and specific uses.
In 2005, the set of retail pork cut names, or pork nomenclature , was updated. The changes incorporated new cuts resulting from advances in pork merchandising and provides consistency for the consumer when choosing pork in the grocery store.
To learn more about pork cuts, download the Canadian Pork Cuts Chart and visit the Virtual Meat Counter on Alberta Pork's website.