Where is Your Meat Coming From?
by Adrienne Rayski
An alarming video (posted below) captured by the Humane Society of the United States showed workers at a meatpacking company forcefully moving sick animals for slaughter. This not only broke animal cruelty laws, but it also raised a health hazard for those who consume beef. Worse yet, this particular meatpacking company is a supplier of beef to school systems throughout the country.
Does this mean you should stop buying beef or meat altogether ?
Well, You deserve to know of healthier ways to consume it..
Take Steps Toward Healthier Meat Purchases
- Consider organic or kosher meat first – the safety measures taken in raising livestock that produce organic and kosher meat are generally much more rigorous, and there aren’t any “extras” (hormones, antibiotics or preservatives) that can cause food-borne illness and are typically used in large meatpacking companies that are simply looking to produce more product at a faster pace.
- While you’re at it, check the label. Companies that produce meat without hormones or antibiotics and do not feed their livestock animal byproducts will usually say so. If you’re unsure, it can’t hurt to research the company’s values before you head to the market.
- Shop at an alternative food supplier. Farmers markets are usually a great way to find local, farm-raised meat – livestock raised on small farms tend to be given much healthier living environments, hence the meat is healthier for you.
- Avoid processed meats entirely which are almost guaranteed to come from a large meatpacking source and be loaded with the “extras.”
- When dining out, ask the restaurant manager about the type of meat they buy. Most restaurants will be more than happy to let you know this information – especially if it’s from a source you can trust.
Free Me Video
[image credit: 10b travelling]
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