What does it mean to be all Natural Meat?

In the United States the FDA says it means “antibiotic and growth hormone free meat” and it usually means the cattle (and water buffalo) are “strictly grass or vegetable fed.”

Here is a check list of what a farmer can and cannot do regarding production:

1. Cannot contain any artificial flavor or flavoring
2. Cannot contain coloring ingredients
3. Cannot contain chemical preservatives
4. Cannot contain any other artificial or synthetic ingredient
5. Cannot be more than minimally processed
6. Basically the meat can only be ground, frozen or smoked

The United States USDA says a product is ‘Natural’ when “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.)”  Visit the USDA Web Page of Meat and Poultry Labeling Terms for more information on labeling terms in the food industry.

BACK TO TPR NATURAL BEEF PAGE