Greener Pastures: Organic & Natural Meats

In an industry full of vegans, vegetarians, environmentalists, farmers and those opposed to Big Business, the meat and poultry industries often ignite some fiery debates. But, put down your broccoli spears. Natural and organic meat and poultry can offer sustainable sources of food and healthy choices for consumers. Paul Gingerich, meat category director at Albert’s Organics, Bridgeport, NJ, says, “The organic and natural foods industry provides healthy products for those who desire products produced without the use of antibiotics, hormones, growth-promoting drugs and animal byproducts. We believe that these products are having a very positive effect on meat consumption, and are challenging the food industry to take a harder look at some of the additives that they have become accustomed to using.”

Many consumers have limited understanding of the issues surrounding the meat industry. As retailers, you can help clear up the misconceptions and get customers to feel okay about buying meat and poultry again. Pete Basset, national sales and marketing manager for Organic Prairie, La Farge, WI, says, “Protein is a very important part of anyone’s diet and if you are going to eat meat as your protein, you should consume the most nutritious, healthiest meat possible, which is organic meat.” So, before we put meat and poultry out to pasture for good, let’s reexamine the issues.

Fowl Health Issues
We’ve all heard the arguments that eating meat in moderation (rather than carnivorously) can be better for your health, but there are some more controversial health topics related to the meat and poultry industries that are frequently hitting the newsstands. Conventional meat and poultry have been implicated in several health-related conundrums that leave consumers wondering if meat should stay off their menus for good. Here’s why natural/organic, antibiotic- and hormone-free products are growing in popularity...