Different Types of Meat

Which Types of Meat Do You Use To Prepare Your Favourite Meat Recipe?
Meat comes from different animals and we know most of them. This article does not cover the types of animals, but the way the animals have been grown. Traditionally animals were grown in free space / outdoors, but now most of the animals are grown in a factory mode of operation where they are force fed with specific feed including hormones and animal by-products, not allowed to exercise, and forced to remain congested in a small area till they are butchered.

Due to the alleged problems with conventional meat, people are now moving towards organic meat. Consumers are also demanding natural meat and grass fed meat as they are normally considered healthy and rich in nutrients.

The issue with natural meat and grass fed meat is that there are no standards for these products set by the USDA. Hence, while producing these types of meat, the manufacturers have a free hand, though they have to indicate the important aspects of the production methods on the labels.

Characteristics of Different Types of Meat
Given below is a comparison of conventional meat, organic meat, natural meat and grass fed meat on different parameters. This table will help you make an informed decision about the type of meat that you purchase. What you purchase is now up to you.

 

Conventional Meat

Organic Meat

Natural Meat

Grass Fed Meat

USDA Definitions

No special definition

Produced according to USDA National Organic Standards

No artificial ingredients, minimal processing

None

Usage of Hormones

Yes

No

Vary

Vary

Antibiotics

Yes

No

Vary

Vary

Feed Grown with Chemical Pesticides and Fertilizers

Yes

No

Vary

Vary

Necessary to Allow the Cattle to Graze on Pastures?

No

Yes

No Standards (Normally farmers allow cattle to graze)

No Standards (Normally farmers allow cattle to graze)

Animal Confinement

Yes

No (Outdoor access not necessary, if weather is not favorable)

No Standards (Normally farmers provide outdoor access)

No Standards (Normally farmers provide outdoor access)

Animal by-products Feed

Yes

No

No Standards (Normally animal by-products are not fed)

Vary

Presence of GMOs in Feed

Yes

No

No

Vary

Safety Inspection by USDA

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Meat Irradiation Carried Out

Vary

No

No

Vary

Usage of Preservatives

Vary

No

No

Vary

References: Organic Prairie


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