November 6, 2013

Cargill to label its finely textured beef

Prior to the 2014 grilling season, Cargill will begin labelling its branded, US-made, fresh, ground beef products containing Finely Textured Beef, with the declaration "Contains Finely Textured Beef."

"Our research shows that consumers believe ground beef products containing Finely Textured Beef should be clearly labelled," said John Keating, Cargill Beef president. "We've listened to the public, as well as our customers, and that is why today we are declaring our commitment to labelling Finely Textured Beef."

National consumer surveys and focus group research reveals that, overwhelmingly, consumers desire transparency and believe ground beef products containing Finely Textured Beef should be clearly labelled, providing them with choices when they make a purchase. Research also revealed that, upon learning Finely Textured Beef is 100% pure beef and 95% lean, and how it is made, consumers respond positively to its benefits.

Cargill has launched a dedicated Finely Textured Beef website (http://www.groundbeefanswers.com) that provides information about the product, including videos showing how Finely Textured Beef is made at its US beef cattle processing plants. The company has been producing Finely Textured Beef since 1993, with the approval of the USDA, and believes this beef product has an important role to play in affordably feeding Americans.