The USDA’s glossary of meat and poultry labeling terms has 20 items from “basted or self-basted” to “young turkey” and includes “natural,” “no hormones” and “organic.” What do they all mean? Here’s some background and perspective on labels in general and one – no antibiotics added – in particular. Other resources are available as well that will help you the next time you’re at the supermarket shopping for meat.
There is a lot of talk about imports and exports these days, stimulating a new round of questions about whether products coming into our country are safe. When it comes to food, the discussion is especially sensitive because it directly impacts our health. So, who is charged with making sure imported meat is safe? What oversight are they providing to ensure we continue to have the safest food supply in the world? My latest blog answers these questions and provides resources to learn more.
The Food and Drug Administration releases animal antibiotic sales data annually. The report for 2016 shows decreases in two key categories: sales for livestock and poultry, and medically important antibiotics. Although the latest report shows a reduction, we need to focus on using antibiotics responsibly, which in agriculture means to use less while preserving the ability to responsibly use antibiotics when needed.