Organic beef is not just natural. Natural beef means that cattle did not receive any steroid, antibiotics, or hormone injections. It simply means that the meat has no added colors, preservatives or any other additives.
Organic beef goes one step further than “natural” beef. Organic beef includes the resources that the cattle were raised on. It involves using renewable resources as well as ensures that the cattle were raised on organic pastures.
They also receive organic grains and hay as well as receive humane treatment. Another important ingredient in the making of Organic Beef is the fact that pesticides are not used on the farm. This doesn’t imply that Organic Beef is without safety standards or approval.
The United States government has instigated the Certified Organic program. Before any food can bear the Organic seal of approval a USDA certified inspector would have to inspect the farm and ensure that all of the standards and certification for Organic Beef have been met with satisfaction.
Organic Beef: The Standards
To be labeled Organic Beef, the cattle as well as the farm will have to meet 95-100% of the USDA Organic Program’s requirements. Here are some of the National Organic Program’s requirements for Organic Beef to bear the Organic Seal of Approval:
• No Antibiotics allowed
• All Ingredients are 100% Organic
• All Cattle were Fed 100% Organic Feed
• Cattle did not receive any Growth Hormones
• Cattle did not receive any Genetically Altered or Modified Feed
• Pesticides, Herbicides, and Fertilizers were regulated
• Yearly Inspections were required and maintained
• 100% of Organic Labeling Standards were met
Many cattle farmers believe thoroughly in the high quality of Organic Beef. Organic beef is more than just a label or “grade” such as Prime, Choice, or Select. Organic encompasses the whole farm from maintaning the soil; to the finished result of the highest quality Organic Beef sold to the consumer.
You can always tell if Organic Beef is 100% organic by looking for the Organic Seal of Approval. Without the Organic Seal of Approval you have no reason to believe that it is 100% Organic Beef.