Marketing Terms for Meat - What they mean

DiamondDeb · 03-07-2009, 11:34 PM

From Mercola....

[COLOR="Blue"]Ethical Meat and Unethical Hype -- A Look at 'All Natural', 'Grass-Fed' and Other Half-Truths[/COLOR]

Marketing departments like to invent terms that sound good but mean anything -- non-enforceable claims don’t result in lawsuits. Here’s an overview of what labels on the meat you buy actually mean:

All Natural: This means meat that is minimally processed with no artificial or synthetic products. It is not regulated, however, so anyone can put it on their package. It is a claim with no clout.

Cool (Country of Origin Labeling): A USDA regulated label stating where meat was raised, slaughtered, and processed.

Grass Fed: A USDA regulated label meaning, very narrowly, that that animals ate grass. According to the USDA definition, “grass-fed” animals can also be fed grain, and can be raised on grass in confinement, as long as they have access to pasture -- although "access" can be, and often is, nothing more than a facility with a door to a small outdoor area.

Free Range: This means only that the animal has some access to the outdoors. There is no regulation for use of this term, except in the case of chickens raised for consumption. “Pasture-raised” is a more meaningful term.

Organic: This label is USDA and third-party certified. It means that livestock wasn’t treated with hormones or antibiotics and was fed a pesticide-free diet.

Vegetarian Fed: This refers only to an animal’s diet and does not guarantee the animal was pastured or raised humanely.

Air Chilled: This refers to the treatment of living animals. Producers and retailers may also make claims about how the animal is handled between slaughter and purchase. Meat may be wet or dry-aged, frozen, and packaged in various ways.

Humanely Raised/Certified Humane: Many ranches now choose to undergo an audit by third parties such as Animal Welfare Association and Humane Farmed to highlight their extra care. This type of label states that no practices such as overcrowding, castrating, early weaning, or denying animals access to pasture used.

Biodynamic: This pre-organic standard treats the whole ranching operation as an interrelated whole. While some meats are technically organic, a biodynamic farm assures the meat also came from a healthy, self-sustaining system.

Local: Producers who take part in this affidavit program state in writing that the animals were raised within 20 miles. This label is not certified or confirmed by a third party.

[COLOR="Blue"]Dr. Mercola's Comments:[/COLOR]

The numerous labels that do little but confuse consumers about the essentials of what they’re buying are aggravating to say the least.

Fortunately, it is possible to find what you’re looking for. I’d like to expand on the “grass-fed” label mentioned above, and point out your very best option when it comes to buying wholesome grass-fed beef and other meats.

[COLOR="Red"]The USDA Grass-Fed Label [/COLOR]

As of November 15, 2007, the USDA enacted new standards for the grass-fed label. According to this new USDA marketing claim standard:

Grass and forage shall be the feed source consumed for the lifetime of the ruminant animal, with the exception of milk consumed prior to weaning.

The diet shall be derived solely from forage consisting of grass (annual and perennial), forbs (e.g., legumes, Brassica), browse, or cereal grain crops in the vegetative (pre-grain) state.

Animals cannot be fed grain or grain byproducts and must have continuous access to pasture during the growing season.

Hay, haylage, baleage, silage, crop residue without grain, and other roughage sources may also be included as acceptable feed sources.

Routine mineral and vitamin supplementation may also be included in the feeding regimen. If incidental supplementation occurs due to inadvertent exposure to non-forage feedstuffs or to ensure the animal’s well being at all times during adverse environmental or physical conditions, the producer must fully document (e.g., receipts, ingredients, and tear tags) the supplementation that occurs including the amount, the frequency, and the supplements provided.

Sounds good! In order to carry the “grass-fed” label, the animal must have foraged on nothing but grass for its entire lifetime.

But there’s a twist, and a few other issues you may not have thought of.

These standards are voluntary, so in order for you to determine whether or not this standard is actually being met, in addition to the “grass-fed” label, the meat you buy would also need to carry the “USDA Process Verified” label.

There’s another slight problem with this standard. As pointed out by the American Grassfed Association, the definition of "growing season" means that animals could be confined for long periods, and can be kept off of pasture even when there is grass growing.

The new rules also do not restrict the use of antibiotics and hormones in the animals.

So although it aimed higher than any standards we had before, even the USDA grass-fed labels won’t offer you all the assurances you’d expect from truly organic, grass-fed beef.

Another issue frequently overlooked is that of cost to the farmer.

The USDA regulatory system has a tendency to favor big business, which can easily afford the USDA’s costly certification fees. Small farmers, who are often raising food in traditional, healthy ways, then are not able to legally call their products “USDA grass-fed” because they haven’t paid the USDA for that privilege.

[COLOR="Red"]Why All the Fuss About Grass-Fed Meat?[/COLOR]

Grass-fed beef is vastly superior to grain-fed beef, and in fact it’s the clear beef of choice you should be eating. It is far more important to choose grass-fed than to choose organic, as most grass-fed beef are also organic.

Not only is it raised in a more sustainable way for the environment, and a more humane way for the animal, but it’s the superior choice for your health.

Grass-fed beef, for instance, is lower in fat than regular beef and, more importantly, contains higher amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid. Grass-fed animals have from three to five times more CLA than grain-fed animals.

CLA has been making headlines for its extreme health benefits, which include:

Fighting cancer and diabetes
Helping you lose weight
Increasing your metabolic rate, a positive benefit for promoting normal thyroid function
Helping you maintain normal cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Enhancing your immune system

The article “Better Beef,” written by California rancher Dave Evans, gives a great in-depth view of the many benefits of grass-fed beef, from environmental sustainability to the sheer difference in taste and nutrient content of the beef.

Keep in mind that grass-fed meat is almost always preferable to certified organic meat also because most organic beef is fed organic corn, which is what causes the myriad of health problems associated with eating beef. If you can find organic, grass-fed meat, that would be ideal.

[COLOR="Red"]Your Best Bet When Looking for True Grass-Fed Meats[/COLOR]

Remember, grass-fed meat doesn’t have to be “certified” grass-fed for it to give you health benefits.

Your best bet, which circumvents the labeling confusion altogether, is to get in touch with a local farmer (try finding a farmer’s market or community-supported agriculture program in your area to do this) who can verify that the products are raised on pasture, without antibiotics and pesticides.

By going straight to the source, you’re likely getting the absolute best meat there is, USDA-certified or not.

sbarr · 03-08-2009, 04:19 PM

Interesting article - I'm of mixed emotions here. If everyone in my city went after the same grass-fed steer that I am enjoying, either the prices would become exorbitant in the short-term while the market settles itself into supply and demand - or I wouldn't get the meat I want because it was already sold.

Brings an interesting question - COULD this mode US agriculture feed the masses? (I feel safe this year with my CSA, my grass-fed beef, my organic pork), but if I were to compete for that same food in the future, the implications are almost chilling. I'm not going back. I have a child to raise until maturity (then she's on her own, perhaps with lessons learnt and refined tastes), providing the best food I can afford. I like my sausage without gristle. I like my beef. I like knowing that my food in safe.

Are there enough grass-fed steer to go around? I almost think I should put down a deposit for the next ten years. Sorry, Lindsey, spent your college money, but at least you get to eat well. We'll deal with that other little problem later.

Rory · 03-09-2009, 05:18 AM

I am now depressed.

LouieLouie2007 · 03-09-2009, 10:21 AM

Pretty much confirms everything I suspect about the industry and then some.

DiamondDeb · 03-09-2009, 06:48 PM

Yes, it is confusing & depressing.

I found a local farm that sells pasture-fed/raised beef & chicken but they are small and everything is pretty much spoken for before it is available. I'm still looking for another source. I can get eggs locally raised though. I consider that a big step forward.

deacons98 · 03-10-2009, 08:22 AM

Thank you for posting that!

In my research on farms, a lot of farmers are using the term "grass-finished" and not just grass-fed. One farmer explained it to me as when the animal is grass finished, it sees grass throughout. He said sometimes grass fed can mean that the animal saw grass occasionally. Frustrating!

Tesaje · 03-10-2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deacons98

Thank you for posting that!

In my research on farms, a lot of farmers are using the term "grass-finished" and not just grass-fed. One farmer explained it to me as when the animal is grass finished, it sees grass throughout. He said sometimes grass fed can mean that the animal saw grass occasionally. Frustrating!

This was my understanding too. Only grass-finished means that it was fully fed on grass and did not see a stockyard and fattened on corn and the other garbage.

The duplicity is appalling.

sbarr · 03-10-2009, 10:52 AM

More and more that I read - I am so glad I met my farmer - I didn't meet the steer, although I was invited to.

Rory · 03-11-2009, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbarr

More and more that I read - I am so glad I met my farmer - I didn't meet the steer, although I was invited to.

My biggest fear! I drive around the countryside a lot for work and all the new calves are out in the pasture.

then I think. "How come I'm having trouble finding grass fed beef!"

Tesaje · 03-11-2009, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rory8343

My biggest fear! I drive around the countryside a lot for work and all the new calves are out in the pasture.

then I think. "How come I'm having trouble finding grass fed beef!"

They may well be dairy farms. Dairy cows have to calve to produce the milk and they are usually pastured at least some. The trouble is that the calves are sent to the stockyards after they grow some and fed the corn and other crap that goes into the feed. That erases all the grass feeding from before.

Tests have shown that organically raised cattle that are grain finished have a fat profile that is no better than the regular cattle. Grass is their natural food.

DiamondDeb · 05-24-2012, 02:20 PM

Reading about these misleading marketing terms upsets me every time.

Just about the only way to be sure of what you are getting is to talk to a local farmer about how he raises his stock.

03-07-2009, 11:34 PM	#1
DiamondDeb Fat Burning Machine Extraordinaire! Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 69,704 Gallery: DiamondDeb	Marketing Terms for Meat - What they mean From Mercola.... [COLOR="Blue"]Ethical Meat and Unethical Hype -- A Look at 'All Natural', 'Grass-Fed' and Other Half-Truths[/COLOR] Marketing departments like to invent terms that sound good but mean anything -- non-enforceable claims don’t result in lawsuits. Here’s an overview of what labels on the meat you buy actually mean: All Natural: This means meat that is minimally processed with no artificial or synthetic products. It is not regulated, however, so anyone can put it on their package. It is a claim with no clout. Cool (Country of Origin Labeling): A USDA regulated label stating where meat was raised, slaughtered, and processed. Grass Fed: A USDA regulated label meaning, very narrowly, that that animals ate grass. According to the USDA definition, “grass-fed” animals can also be fed grain, and can be raised on grass in confinement, as long as they have access to pasture -- although "access" can be, and often is, nothing more than a facility with a door to a small outdoor area. Free Range: This means only that the animal has some access to the outdoors. There is no regulation for use of this term, except in the case of chickens raised for consumption. “Pasture-raised” is a more meaningful term. Organic: This label is USDA and third-party certified. It means that livestock wasn’t treated with hormones or antibiotics and was fed a pesticide-free diet. Vegetarian Fed: This refers only to an animal’s diet and does not guarantee the animal was pastured or raised humanely. Air Chilled: This refers to the treatment of living animals. Producers and retailers may also make claims about how the animal is handled between slaughter and purchase. Meat may be wet or dry-aged, frozen, and packaged in various ways. Humanely Raised/Certified Humane: Many ranches now choose to undergo an audit by third parties such as Animal Welfare Association and Humane Farmed to highlight their extra care. This type of label states that no practices such as overcrowding, castrating, early weaning, or denying animals access to pasture used. Biodynamic: This pre-organic standard treats the whole ranching operation as an interrelated whole. While some meats are technically organic, a biodynamic farm assures the meat also came from a healthy, self-sustaining system. Local: Producers who take part in this affidavit program state in writing that the animals were raised within 20 miles. This label is not certified or confirmed by a third party. [COLOR="Blue"]Dr. Mercola's Comments:[/COLOR] The numerous labels that do little but confuse consumers about the essentials of what they’re buying are aggravating to say the least. Fortunately, it is possible to find what you’re looking for. I’d like to expand on the “grass-fed” label mentioned above, and point out your very best option when it comes to buying wholesome grass-fed beef and other meats. [COLOR="Red"]The USDA Grass-Fed Label [/COLOR] As of November 15, 2007, the USDA enacted new standards for the grass-fed label. According to this new USDA marketing claim standard: Grass and forage shall be the feed source consumed for the lifetime of the ruminant animal, with the exception of milk consumed prior to weaning. The diet shall be derived solely from forage consisting of grass (annual and perennial), forbs (e.g., legumes, Brassica), browse, or cereal grain crops in the vegetative (pre-grain) state. Animals cannot be fed grain or grain byproducts and must have continuous access to pasture during the growing season. Hay, haylage, baleage, silage, crop residue without grain, and other roughage sources may also be included as acceptable feed sources. Routine mineral and vitamin supplementation may also be included in the feeding regimen. If incidental supplementation occurs due to inadvertent exposure to non-forage feedstuffs or to ensure the animal’s well being at all times during adverse environmental or physical conditions, the producer must fully document (e.g., receipts, ingredients, and tear tags) the supplementation that occurs including the amount, the frequency, and the supplements provided. Sounds good! In order to carry the “grass-fed” label, the animal must have foraged on nothing but grass for its entire lifetime. But there’s a twist, and a few other issues you may not have thought of. These standards are voluntary, so in order for you to determine whether or not this standard is actually being met, in addition to the “grass-fed” label, the meat you buy would also need to carry the “USDA Process Verified” label. There’s another slight problem with this standard. As pointed out by the American Grassfed Association, the definition of "growing season" means that animals could be confined for long periods, and can be kept off of pasture even when there is grass growing. The new rules also do not restrict the use of antibiotics and hormones in the animals. So although it aimed higher than any standards we had before, even the USDA grass-fed labels won’t offer you all the assurances you’d expect from truly organic, grass-fed beef. Another issue frequently overlooked is that of cost to the farmer. The USDA regulatory system has a tendency to favor big business, which can easily afford the USDA’s costly certification fees. Small farmers, who are often raising food in traditional, healthy ways, then are not able to legally call their products “USDA grass-fed” because they haven’t paid the USDA for that privilege. [COLOR="Red"]Why All the Fuss About Grass-Fed Meat?[/COLOR] Grass-fed beef is vastly superior to grain-fed beef, and in fact it’s the clear beef of choice you should be eating. It is far more important to choose grass-fed than to choose organic, as most grass-fed beef are also organic. Not only is it raised in a more sustainable way for the environment, and a more humane way for the animal, but it’s the superior choice for your health. Grass-fed beef, for instance, is lower in fat than regular beef and, more importantly, contains higher amounts of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid. Grass-fed animals have from three to five times more CLA than grain-fed animals. CLA has been making headlines for its extreme health benefits, which include: Fighting cancer and diabetes Helping you lose weight Increasing your metabolic rate, a positive benefit for promoting normal thyroid function Helping you maintain normal cholesterol and triglyceride levels Enhancing your immune system The article “Better Beef,” written by California rancher Dave Evans, gives a great in-depth view of the many benefits of grass-fed beef, from environmental sustainability to the sheer difference in taste and nutrient content of the beef. Keep in mind that grass-fed meat is almost always preferable to certified organic meat also because most organic beef is fed organic corn, which is what causes the myriad of health problems associated with eating beef. If you can find organic, grass-fed meat, that would be ideal. [COLOR="Red"]Your Best Bet When Looking for True Grass-Fed Meats[/COLOR] Remember, grass-fed meat doesn’t have to be “certified” grass-fed for it to give you health benefits. Your best bet, which circumvents the labeling confusion altogether, is to get in touch with a local farmer (try finding a farmer’s market or community-supported agriculture program in your area to do this) who can verify that the products are raised on pasture, without antibiotics and pesticides. By going straight to the source, you’re likely getting the absolute best meat there is, USDA-certified or not. __________________ It’s truly remarkable how successful Madison Avenue has been at indoctrinating eating habits that produce huge profits for giant multinational corporations – and developing devastating health consequences for consumers – into generations of society. ~ Mark Sisson, The Primal Blueprint Last edited by DiamondDeb; 03-07-2009 at 11:40 PM..

03-08-2009, 04:19 PM	#2
sbarr Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 3,687 Gallery: sbarr Stats: ### / 198 / 135 WOE: Basic Low carb, slow, steady, some stumbles Start Date: Jan 2005/Jan 2011/Oct 2012	Interesting article - I'm of mixed emotions here. If everyone in my city went after the same grass-fed steer that I am enjoying, either the prices would become exorbitant in the short-term while the market settles itself into supply and demand - or I wouldn't get the meat I want because it was already sold. Brings an interesting question - COULD this mode US agriculture feed the masses? (I feel safe this year with my CSA, my grass-fed beef, my organic pork), but if I were to compete for that same food in the future, the implications are almost chilling. I'm not going back. I have a child to raise until maturity (then she's on her own, perhaps with lessons learnt and refined tastes), providing the best food I can afford. I like my sausage without gristle. I like my beef. I like knowing that my food in safe. Are there enough grass-fed steer to go around? I almost think I should put down a deposit for the next ten years. Sorry, Lindsey, spent your college money, but at least you get to eat well. We'll deal with that other little problem later. __________________ Don't worry about momentary cheats or stumbles, focus on succeeding in the long run. Always keep your eye on the target and if you stumble, get back up and stay in the race. What we weigh is the result of a meal, a day, a week, a month, a year of choices...

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03-09-2009, 05:18 AM	#3
Rory Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 17,362 Gallery: Rory Stats: 20W/14M/8	I am now depressed.

03-09-2009, 10:21 AM	#4
LouieLouie2007 Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Phoenix Posts: 7,168 Gallery: LouieLouie2007 Stats: 250+/181.8/160 or 23% body fat 5'6" 34 yrs WOE: Atkins all the way baby! Start Date: April 2003/Start again April 06 post 2nd child	Pretty much confirms everything I suspect about the industry and then some.

03-09-2009, 06:48 PM	#5
DiamondDeb Fat Burning Machine Extraordinaire! Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 69,704 Gallery: DiamondDeb	Yes, it is confusing & depressing. I found a local farm that sells pasture-fed/raised beef & chicken but they are small and everything is pretty much spoken for before it is available. I'm still looking for another source. I can get eggs locally raised though. I consider that a big step forward.

03-10-2009, 08:22 AM	#6
deacons98 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 84 Gallery: deacons98 WOE: healthy eating	Thank you for posting that! In my research on farms, a lot of farmers are using the term "grass-finished" and not just grass-fed. One farmer explained it to me as when the animal is grass finished, it sees grass throughout. He said sometimes grass fed can mean that the animal saw grass occasionally. Frustrating!

03-10-2009, 10:52 AM	#8
sbarr Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 3,687 Gallery: sbarr Stats: ### / 198 / 135 WOE: Basic Low carb, slow, steady, some stumbles Start Date: Jan 2005/Jan 2011/Oct 2012	More and more that I read - I am so glad I met my farmer - I didn't meet the steer, although I was invited to.

05-24-2012, 02:20 PM	#11
DiamondDeb Fat Burning Machine Extraordinaire! Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 69,704 Gallery: DiamondDeb	Reading about these misleading marketing terms upsets me every time. Just about the only way to be sure of what you are getting is to talk to a local farmer about how he raises his stock.