Hereford Bull Large
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) sets guidelines for beef labeled "natural." The USDA has three criteria, which are related to processing and ingredients. The USDA natural label does not confirm that beef is free-roaming, organic or grass-fed.
Processing
The USDA's first requirement for beef to qualify for a "natural" label relates to how the meat is processed. According to the UDSA FSIS, Memo 55, the beef product must be minimally processed to be labeled "natural" (see References 1). Grinding beef for hamburger qualifies as minimal processing. According to the Fact Sheet on Natural Beef, most supermarket beef is minimally processed and contains no additives (see References 1).
Ingredients
Secondly, beef cannot contain any artificial ingredients, including coloring ingredients (see References 1). While natural beef may be raised and finished according to organic labeling standards, the practice is not mandatory for a natural label. "Natural" does not guarantee that cattle have been grain- or grass-fed. A natural label is no confirmation that the meat is free from growth hormones or antibiotics. Finally, USDA labeled natural beef must be free from chemical preservatives.
At a Glance
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture's Cooperative Extension Service provides a chart listing what is not allowed for beef to qualify for a USDA natural label. Uses not allowed are antibiotics, implants and feed with mammal protein or by-products. Non-organic feed is allowed. The USDA conducts certification and auditing. Programs vary for other restrictions (see References 2).
Inspection and Verification
The FSIS regulates producers of meat, poultry and egg products pursuant to the Federal Meat Inspection Act. Specific programs for raising natural beef are under beef-producer control. As a result, guidelines for natural beef programs widely vary. According to the FSIS, some producers elect to raise animals without "antibiotics, growth stimulants, etc." (see References 1). The public may interpret claims on non-USDA labels as part of the standard applying to a"natural" label. However, extraneous labeling is not part of the federal government's criteria for natural beef.
Verification
The FSIS depends upon a verification process for claims falling outside of USDA requirements for natural beef. The FSIS Memo 055 describes how it verifies claims about animal production practices. The FSIS "relies on testimonials and affidavits provided by the producer." The affidavits and testimonials must provide detailed descriptions of production practices. If a producer claims not to use antibiotics, the producer must affirm for what period of the animal's life antibiotics were not used. All affidavits and testimonials are submitted to federal officials at slaughter. (see Resources 1)
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