Category: Meat industry

Canada was officially recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as having a negligible risk status for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in 2021, solidifying its standing as a world leader in beef safety. This comprehensive system is why Canadian beef is safe to eat and is trusted globally.

By law, ground beef consists of chopped or ground fresh and/or frozen beef, with strict prohibitions on added water or fillers. So, is ground beef actually beef? Yes, but the specific contents and composition are more complex than you might think.

Nisin has been recognized as a safe biological food additive by the FAO/WHO expert committee since 1969, and its role in meat preservation has been extensively studied. So, what is nisin in meat products? It is a natural antimicrobial peptide that helps extend the shelf life and improve the safety of various processed meats by inhibiting the growth of specific bacteria.

According to a USDA report, per capita mutton consumption in the U.S. has dropped significantly since the 1960s, a trend observed in many Western countries. This raises a key question for food enthusiasts and historians: why do people not eat mutton with the same enthusiasm as other meats?

According to USDA regulations, pure ground beef is explicitly forbidden from containing additives such as water, phosphates, binders, or extenders. This means if the label explicitly says 'ground beef,' it should consist only of chopped fresh or frozen beef, though some seasoning may be added. However, this strict rule is not a blanket policy for all beef products.