Natural Beef

We all have heard the term natural beef being tossed around as more people are becoming concerned with the information that is coming to light regarding the use of hormones in beef. How many of us really know what really does constitute natural beef and who makes the decision on which beef can be labeled as all natural, after all isn't all beef natural since it comes from a living animal? According to the definition posted by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in order to be labeled natural, beef must meet these conditions: The product must not contain any artificial flavor, flavorings, coloring ingredient, chemical preservatives or any other artificial or synthetic ingredients. The meat or other food product must also be minimally processed. However the definition has absolutely nothing to do with how the cattle are raised or what they are fed while they are being raised. Naturally labeled beef may be fed grains, grasses or a full organic diet that is in compliance with the National Organic Program standards.

As long as it contains no preservatives or other artificial additives it is still considered natural beef. natural beef is usually defined by the company who sells it and in many cases the label is used to say that the beef does not contain any growth hormones or antibiotics but this is not a universal definition and is subject to interpretation. In many cases "natural" beef programs only require that no growth hormones or antibiotics have been given to the cattle in the last 100 to 120 days of the cow's life before it was slaughtered. Like any other kind of beef, natural labeled beef must undergo a rigorous inspection process which ensures that it meets with very strict USDA guidelines regard health and safety.

According to US law all cattle in the US must undergo inspection by a USDA public health inspector before it is allowed to enter the packing plant. Any cow that shows signs of illness is culled out of the herd and not allowed into the plant for processing. Labeling is important when it comes to beef as a natural beef label can mean a variety of things and cover a wide range of meats depending on how the meat was raised. In order to attach a natural label the beef must be raised by very strict standards, these labels can include "Raised without added hormones", "No Antibiotics Used', "Free Range" and "Always Vegetarian Fed." All of these claims must be approved by the USDA and the FSIS before they can be used on a label. If you are looking for completely hormone and antibiotic, free range natural beef you need to shop at Piedmont Ranches. They raise all of their beef and chicken without using any form of antibiotic, hormones or any other artificial or synthetic ingredient. There cattle are fed on 100% natural grass to ensure that the meat is as tender and healthy as possible before it is delivered to your door.