ANSC 3404
Meat Science

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.)

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

Ground beef


Laura’s Lean
Whole muscle cuts
Beef Ribeye
 Pork Chops
 Chicken Breasts


Processed Meats
Hot dogs
 Hams



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)
Livestock and Meat Production

Agricultural products that have been grown
and processed according to the USDA’s
national standards and certified by the proper
organizations

Utilize resources available


Recycle materials


Maintain proper stocking rates
Minimize use of non-renewable resources
Minimize pollution


Avoiding use of chemicals
Proper disposal of effluent

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





Livestock Origin
Feed Requirements
Livestock Care
Milk Production
Meat Production

Must be under constant organic production


Breeding stock



Starting the last 1/3 of gestation (pregnancy) or
hatching
May be from non-organic sources
Must be raised organic last 1/3 of gestation
Maintain sufficient records to prove organic
standing




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






Hormones / Growth promotants
Additives above requirements
Plastic pellets
Urea / Manure
Animal by-products
Use of additives in violation of FDA

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



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



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

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




Deemed Organic based on live side
Approved by USDA
Approved by NOP
If product is further processed, product must
comply with regulations