Do we sell to provinces or countries beyond Alberta?
Our meat processing facility is licensed by Provincial (Alberta) health inspectors. This means that we are unable to sell to any products outside of the province of Alberta.
Do your products contain nitrites?
Any product that we cure or smoke will contain sodium nitrite.
Sodium nitrite is an antioxidant that is vital to prevent the growth of botulism causing bacteria and prevents spoilage. Nitrite also gives cured meats the characteristic color and flavor.
Cured meats must legally contain nitrites. This can be derived from salts or certain nitrate-containing vegetables e.g. beets and celery. The amount of nitrite consumed will be similar regardless of source.
Eating Nitrite containing products in moderation, with a healthy balanced diet is proven to be safe. Nitrite is part of the body's healthy nitrogen cycle, which helps to regulate blood pressure, promote wound healing, and destroy pathogens in the gut (North American Meat Institute).
Nitrites have been the cause of concern when heated up to very high temperatures. The nitrite can form nitrosamines that are considered to be carcinogenic. Avoid over consumption of charred meat products.
For further information please consult the NAMI (North American Meat Institute) at www.meatinstitute.org
Do we need to order in advance or just show up to a market or farm store?
Whilst we do our best to offer as many products at our farmers' markets locations and the farm store, we do occasionally either sell out early, or we simply don't have certain products from time to time.
If you are making a special trip, or need to ensure that you have a certain product or special cut, then please contact us to either reserve the products you wish to purchase, or to have a special order put aside for you.
Do you do home deliveries?
We are not currently set up for making home deliveries. However, we will under special circumstances make exceptions, and consider on a case by case basis. Home deliveries would only be possible on existing delivery routes, and would be required to have a minimum $100 order.
We do work with a few retailers that offer home delivery. Please contact us to find out who that might be in your area.
Do your products contain sugar?
We do not routinely add sugar to our products. However, we do use a small amount of maple sugar as an ingredient in a few specific items, such as our Maple Sausage, Pulled Pork and Pulled Pork Burgers. If you're avoiding sugar for dietary reasons, feel free to ask us about specific products—we’re happy to help.
Do you offer discounts for buying in bulk?
Yes, we do! We offer multi-pack discounts on several of our most popular products, including sausages, bacon, and ground pork. For even greater savings, our Berkshire pork cuts are available in freezer packs or as custom cut sides of pork—these options offer the best overall value and are a great way to stock up your freezer.
If I have food allergies am I still able to eat your products?
Yes—the majority of our products are suitable for people with common food allergies. Irvings Farm Fresh is an allergen-friendly facility, which means we do not use any of the 9 major allergens Eggs, Milk, Mustard, Peanuts, Shellfish, Fish, Sesame, Soy, Tree Nuts, and Wheat, in our production area. This greatly reduces the risk of cross-contamination, making our products a safer choice for people with sensitivities or allergies. Sulfites are also considered a common allergen, but we do use a couple of ingredients that contain Sulfites, and these would be declared on the product label.
The only products that are not allergen friendly are our Traditional Pork Pies and Sausage Rolls, which contain pastry. These items are made using our pork but are prepared in a separate facility that handles wheat and other allergens.
We also have the ability to cut meat orders for customers with a Histamine allergy. Products must be ordered in advance so they can be frozen right away.
If you have specific questions or concerns, or have sensitivities to ingredients not mentioned, we’re always happy to discuss ingredients and processes in more detail—just reach out!
