That pricey grass-fed burger you had for lunch may have come from a cow that ate more than just grass.
At it stands now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will consider any labeling claim relating to what percentage of a cow's diet was grass, as long as the company can back it up with documentation. Some say that's misleading and only animals fed grass from beginning to end should be labeled grass-fed.
And there lies the rub: As consumers increasingly spend more money on meat they consider healthier and more sustainable, there's no one agreed-upon definition for grass-fed beef. Many in the organic and natural meat industry are calling for a tougher measure after a voluntary federal standard was dropped earlier this year. Meanwhile, sales of steaks and burgers processed from grass-fed cows continue to surge, creating business opportunities throughout the supply chain.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Chicago Tribune
