FRANKLIN, Wis. — Strauss Brands, leader in ethical and sustainable livestock practices, is rallying support for a petition recently filed by the American Grassfed Association.
The petition filed with Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS), the policy division of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), requests the USDA clarify language used in its policy guide, updating it to disallow meat born, raised and harvested outside of the United States from bearing the label "Product of the U.S.A."
Current policies allow foreign meat to be imported into the United States and bear the "Product of U.S.A." label if the meat passes through a USDA inspected plant, disguising the true origin of the meat. This allows for an unfair marketing advantage for foreign meat producers that not only deceives the consumer, but also financially harms U.S. family farmers and independent ranchers.
A 2003 study published in the Journal of Food Distribution Research indicates 75% of consumers prefer to purchase products from their country of origin1 and in a 2010 survey conducted by the US Consumers Union, 93% of respondents indicate they want country of origin labeled on meat2.
Despite this, 75% of grass fed beef sold in the United States originates overseas, reducing the market opportunity for American grass fed beef farmers and the economic and sustainability benefits that stem from the purchase of American-raised grass fed beef.
American-raised grass fed beef, when produced using regenerative grazing practices, uses significantly less fossil fuels and chemicals per acre compared to traditional tilled crop land. Pasture-based farming significantly reduces erosion, regenerates top soil and keeps tons of toxic chemicals off our lands and waterways.
Strauss Brands is calling upon consumers to voice their opinion to the USDA on current labeling standards. To do so, consumers should visit AGA's petition at regulations.gov, fill out the required information and leave a comment pledging their support for an updated policy before August 12, 2018.
About Strauss Brands:
With more than 80 years of experience in restaurants and grocery stores, Strauss Brands is a leader in the meat industry, offering grass fed and finished beef, humanely-raised veal and lamb. Strauss is built around the quality of their meat, the humane treatment of animals and providing environmental sustainability through their growing network of American family farms. Strauss Brands recently expanded to offer consumers the option to get the same chef-quality meat delivered with their online store, Strauss Direct. For brand updates, industry news and stories from our farmers, "Like" and follow Strauss Brands on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
1 Umberger, W. J., Feuz, D. M., Calkins, C. R., & Sitz, B. M. (2003). COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN LABELING OF BEEF PRODUCTS: U.S. CONSUMERS' PERCEPTIONS. Journal of Food Distribution Research, 34(3), 103-116.
2 Consumer Reports National Research Center (2010) Country of Origin Labeling Poll, Westchester, NY, Consumers Union of US, Inc.
Source: Strauss Brands
