What Is Grass-Fed Beef, and How Is It Regulated?

As summer ends, many of us can look back on some great barbequed treats enjoyed with family and friends. Among those foods there may have been a juicy burger, a tender steak, or beef sausages. Summer dishes aside, beef products are often featured in our year-round grocery carts. And if you’ve visited the meat section of your local store, you’ve likely taken note of—or purchased!—the beef products labeled as “grass-fed.” But what exactly is grass-fed beef, and how does its production compare with that of other beef products? Let’s take a look at the regulations and food-labeling practices that ensure our red-meat supply is both healthy and nutritious. Food-Producing Animal Care Wholesome, safe, and reliable animal-derived products begin with the proper care of farm and ranch animals. Part of livestock’s responsible and humane care includes the diet that is supplied to the animals. To help ensure that farm animals are fed a healthy diet, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) upholds the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The FDA must approve animal feed that is given to farm animals in a way that is similar to how they decide what is safe for people to eat. Additionally, animal feed receives overview by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO comprises state and federal feed regulators that oversee the approval process for feed ingredients. In addition to being well-fed, animals produced for food should also receive medical attention when they become sick. For example, veterinarians and animal-food producers have long administered antibiotics to food animals (primarily poultry, swine, and cattle, and mostly for the purposes of fighting or preventing diseases). The FDA has provided a tightly regulated framework for how antibiotics can be used safely in the food supply. Importantly, livestock must go through a withdrawal period […]

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Seven Common Cooking Oils: Health Benefits and How To Use Them

Our latest consumer survey on dietary fats found that most people report they are trying to limit their fat intake at least some of the time. And yet, there is no need to fear fat in our food. Fat is an essential part of a healthy diet and is involved in many parts of digestion and nutrition, from improving the taste of our food to providing us with a major source of energy to helping our bodies absorb vitamins to refereeing communication between cells in our body. Cooking oils are a source of dietary fat that many of us encounter every day. And with so many options on the market, it’s common to feel overwhelmed when trying to decide which cooking oil is right for you. Fear not: Many oils that may already reside in your pantry are health-promoting and perfect for everyday use in the kitchen. Let’s explore the basics of a few common cooking oils—including their uses, flavor profiles and health benefits—to help you find what works best in your kitchen. Avocado oil Whether piled on toast or mashed into guacamole, avocados are a fan favorite. In addition to being a popular food source, avocados are also a source of cooking oil. Avocado oil is produced by various extraction methods that extricate the fruit’s pulp. The result is a neutral-tasting oil that works well as an ingredient in salad dressings, as a way to brown roasts, and as a fat for searing. Avocado oil is composed primarily of oleic acid, an omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid, which may help decrease inflammation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Canola oil Canola oil is made by heating and crushing the seeds of the rapeseed plant. Canola oil has a neutral taste, which makes it a great all-purpose oil […]

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Understanding How Animal Protein Production Is Regulated

As kids growing up, many of us were often given a message along the lines of, “Be sure to eat your protein—it’s good for your muscles!” For sure, dietary protein is an essential nutrient for maintaining muscle strength, bone health and blood sugar control. As part of appreciating the plethora of protein choices available to many of us as we seek to build healthy meals, let’s take a look at the farming practices and regulations that support the production of animal protein in our food system. It all starts on the farm Shelter, food and medical care are three top areas farmers focus on as they seek to care for the animals that make up our food system. These three areas are subject to regulatory oversight that creates standards for safe and reliable animal protein production. To help ensure farm animals are fed a healthy diet, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) upholds the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The FDA must approve animal feed that is given to farm animals similarly to how the agency oversees the safety of human food. According to the agency, FDA regulators work to certify that all animal feed displays the following core characteristics: purity, wholesomeness, produced under clean conditions, free of harmful substances, and labeled appropriately and truthfully. Additionally, animal feed regulation is supported by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO, formed in 1909, comprises state and federal feed regulators who oversee the approval process for feed ingredients. In addition to being well-fed, animals must also receive medical attention to prevent and treat illnesses. For more than 50 years, veterinarians and producers have administered antibiotics to animals being raised for meat—primarily to poultry, swine, and cattle. For each newly proposed drug to become part of the animal-care toolbox, […]

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What a Dairy Farmer Wants You to Know

Many healthy and delicious foods that come from cows, including milk, cheese and yogurt, are staples in many of our homes. While some people opt for cow’s milk alternatives, a great number of us desire cow’s milk instead. A recent consumer survey of ours found that 62 percent of Americans only buy cow’s milk as opposed to other plant-based milks such as almond or cashew. It could be for a taste preference, tradition or for the hearty nutrition profile that cow’s milk offers. It may make sense that high quality dairy products start with properly cared for cows. But what do dairy farmers do to ensure that their cows are well taken care of and that they produce the best milk possible? To learn more, we caught up with California dairy farmer Brian Fiscalini to tell us more about how he cares for cows and what consumers should know about the dairy business. Q: How long has your family been in the dairy farming business and how have you seen the business change over the years? A: The Fiscalini family has been in the dairy business for over 100 years in California. My great-grandparents dairy farmed in Cambria before relocating to Modesto in 1912. We have been dairy farming at the same location that my great-grandparents purchased over 100 years ago. My love of dairy farming has not changed, although the challenges and volatility of commodity prices have. Q: What are some key challenges you have faced while being a dairy farmer and what did you do to overcome them? A: We continue to clear up misconceptions that consumers may have about our practices and products. We use various platforms to share our story and remind consumers that the care of our cows and land help us produce safe, healthy […]

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Fiber Fact Sheet

Download the Fiber Fact Sheet here Dietary fiber is a plant-based nutrient found in a wide variety of foods. “Fiber” is a broad term that encompasses several types of non-digestible carbohydrates that offer a diverse array of health benefits. In recent year, significant developments have been made in our understanding of fiber and its role in the promotion of health and disease risk reduction. A wealth of scientific evidence demonstrates that adequate dietary fiber intake has a number of health benefits, including maintenance of a healthy gastrointestinal tract and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and some types of cancers. This fact sheet will examine many topics of interest around dietary fiber, including its definitions, food sources and associations with human health. Definition of fiber There are several definitions of dietary fiber worldwide and a singular definition remains the subject of ongoing discussion. Some of the definitions were the result of analytical methods used to isolate dietary fiber whereas others stemmed from the physiological benefits associated with this food component. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) Food and Nutrition Board (formerly known as the Institute of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board) defines dietary fiber as, “nondigestible carbohydrates and lignins that are intrinsic and intact in plants”, whereas “added fiber” consists of isolated, nondigestible carbohydrates that have beneficial physiological effects in humans.” NASEM defines “total fiber” as the sum of dietary fiber and added fiber. The Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses offers a more technical definition of dietary fiber as, “carbohydrate polymers with a 10 or more monomeric units…not hydrolyzed by the endogenous enzymes in the small intestines of humans…” Additionally, Codex included a footnote that the “Decision on whether to include carbohydrates of 3 to 9 monomeric unites should be left up to […]

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What is Oat-based Milk?

IFIC’s 2020 Food and Health Survey found that in the past year nearly one in every four people say they’re consuming more plant-based dairy alternatives. Almond, coconut, oat, rice or soy—you name it, someone’s turned it into something that resembles cow’s milk. Specifically, oat-based milk has made a name for itself with its allergen-free profile and unassuming taste. But what is oat-based milk, and should you consider drinking it? The basics Although oat-based milk is described as “milk,” it does not contain dairy, nuts or soy and is a vegan-friendly alternative to traditional cow’s milk. Oat-based milk is made using steel-cut oats that are soaked in water, blended and then strained through a cheesecloth. While the leftover pulp contains most of the fiber and protein that oats offer, the left-over liquid or “milk” also contains some of those nutrients. While oat-based milk is appealing to those who cannot tolerate or are allergic to dairy, nuts or soy, it’s also an option for those who have celiac disease or difficulty digesting gluten (although cow’s milk and other plant-based dairy alternatives are also valid options in this case). Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can sometimes be processed in a facility that processes gluten-containing products. If you require a gluten-free diet, it’s important to choose oat-based milk that is certified gluten-free to ensure that there hasn’t been any cross-contamination. Oat-based milk and health Whole oats have been well-researched and are known for their heart-healthy benefits, and oat-based milk can offer similar benefits. Oat-based milk contains beta-glucan, which is a soluble fiber that can help reduce LDL cholesterol and may reduce the risk of heart disease. Fortified oat-based milk also contains essential nutrients like vitamin D and calcium, which are important for bone health. Here are the nutrition facts for a one-cup serving […]

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Six Critical Nutrients for Healthy Vegan Eating

The popularity of plant-based eating is on the rise, and many people are discovering the power of produce. In our 2022 Food and Health Survey, 12% of our survey participants said they followed a plant-based diet within the past year. Without a doubt, eating more plant-based foods can improve your health, especially if you do not already eat enough fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables, or whole grains. In addition to the numerous nutritional benefits of eating more plant-based foods like these, according to the National Cancer Institute, people who eat plant-rich diets have a lower risk of developing many types of cancers and other health conditions. Because of its potential health benefits, some people follow a vegetarian diet, while others take plant-based eating a step further and follow a vegan diet—a choice that is often driven by ethical beliefs and environmental concerns as well as a desire for better health. But while following a vegan diet can benefit your health, without special planning, it can also mean missing out on some crucial nutrients traditionally provided by animal foods. The need for dietary planning, however, is not limited to vegan diets—omnivorous diets also require attention to get the nutrients we need. If you follow a vegan diet or are considering giving it a try, “lettuce” help you level up your eating routine to ensure you’re getting enough of the following six nutrients. Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 is vital for proper metabolism and DNA and protein synthesis, all of which support our brain, heart, muscle, and nerve health. Our bodies do not make vitamin B12, so we must get it from foods and/or dietary supplements. Vegetarian and vegan diets must pay special attention to vitamin B12 because it is only found naturally in animal foods. Without adequate amounts of this nutrient, people […]

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Supporting and Sustaining Our Food Supply: The Benefits of GMO Corn

Many of us have heard of GMOs—genetically modified organisms in our food supply—and have seen labeling on food packages that note products are “non-GMO” (or other verbiage on food and beverage packaging that there are GMO or bioengineered ingredients in a product). But many of us don’t know a ton about how GMO technology uses specific scientific innovations that genetically alter plants to promote desired characteristics. In fact, GMO technology is a farming tool that increases productivity, decreases waste, and simultaneously provides us with safe and nutritious grains, fruits and vegetables. One key GMO crop that helps our food supply in many ways? Corn. Read on to explore how GMOs can benefit our food supply and to learn about some intriguing research linked to GMO corn. GMO Fundamentals GMO crops available in the U.S. include corn, soybeans, cotton, potatoes, papaya, summer squash, canola, alfalfa, apples, sugar beets, and pink pineapples. GMO characteristics of these crops include attributes that help them grow better under environmental stresses, like drought, and ward off diseases and pests (as well as other handy benefits, like resisting browning once they are sliced). GMO foods provide a safe and nutritious way to access the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables that are put forth by the USDA Dietary Guidelines. GMO technology also helps to decrease food waste, gives many underserved areas of the global population a reliable source of nutritious food options, and helps farmers use less pesticides. Notably, GMO technology has been used for over 20 years and has been scientifically been proven to be an effective way to support agriculture. Also, according to PG Economics LTD, the economic benefits of genetically modified crops have reached $150 billion globally since the first GMO crops were planted in 1996. The Skinny on GMO Corn Corn is used […]

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