MARKETING CLAIMS:NATURAL AND ORGANIC

ANSC 3404Meat Science

Natural Definition A product containing no artificial ingredient or

added color and is only minimally processed (a process which does not fundamentally alter the raw product) may be labeled natural. The label must explain the use of the term natural (such as - no added colorings or artificial ingredients; minimally processed.)

Examples Natural

All fresh meat not containing preservatives, artificial ingredients, etc.

All fresh meat not more than minimally processed

NOT Natural Frozen ground beef Smoked meat Ready to eat

products

“Natural” products Ground beef

Laura’s Lean

Whole muscle cuts Beef Ribeye Pork Chops Chicken Breasts

Processed Meats Hot dogs Hams

Issues with Processed Meats

Curing: the addition of nitrate/nitrite with salt and other ingredients

Basic curing ingredients: Water Salt Sugar Nitrite – stabilizes color, contributes to flavor, inhibits

microbial growth, and retard rancidity.

ALTERNATIVE:Vegetable based ingredients (i.e. celery juice)

ORGANICLivestock and Meat Production

Organic Definition Agricultural products that have been

grown and processed according to the USDA’s national standards and certified by the proper organizations

Organic Principles Utilize resources available

Maintain proper stocking rates

Recycle materials Minimize use of non-renewable resources

Minimize pollution Avoiding use of chemicals Proper disposal of effluent

Three types of Organic products 100% Organic

Contain only organically produced ingredients and processing aids

Excluding water and salt

Organic Contain 95% organically produced ingredients Excluding water and salt Other nonagricultural ingredients must be approved

Made with Organic ingredients ~ 70% organic by weight

Requirements for Organic Livestock Origin Feed Requirements Livestock Care Milk Production Meat Production

Livestock Origin Must be under constant organic

production Starting the last 1/3 of gestation (pregnancy)

or hatching

Breeding stock May be from non-organic sources Must be raised organic last 1/3 of gestation

Maintain sufficient records to prove organic standing

Feed Requirements Provide with a Total Mix Ration (TMR) Provide pasture and forage All ingredients must be organically

produced and handled Synthetic substances may be used if

previously approved

Feed Requirements (NA) Hormones / Growth promotants Additives above requirements Plastic pellets Urea / Manure Animal by-products Use of additives in violation of FDA

Livestock Selection / Care Livestock Selection

Suitable for site-specific conditions Resistant to prevalent diseases

Livestock Care Provide a TMR to meet nutrition requirements Provide conditions that allow

Exercise, stress reduction, freedom to move

Livestock Care (NA) Administer drugs in absence of illness Administer hormones / growth

promotants Administer synthetic parasiticides

On a routine basis or to meat animals Withhold treatment from ill animals to

preserve the organic status

Living Conditions Pasture (ruminants) Access to sunlight, fresh air, exercise,

shelter Bedding

If bedding is consumed by animal it must meet feed requirements

Temporary Confinement Bad weather, production stage, risk to animal

welfare, risk to environmental quality

Milk Production From animals under continuous organic

management 1 year prior to milk production

Milk production animal Crops and forage from organic system 3rd year of organic management Consumed during 12 month period prior to

sale of product

Meat Production Deemed Organic based on live side Approved by USDA Approved by NOP

If product is further processed, product must comply with regulations

QUESTIONS?