There are a lot of vague names for beef cuts, quality grades, and marketing tricks used by the beef industry, which is why we talk a lot about them. Consumers are unlikely to know the differences between USDA prime beef, organic steak, and grass-fed, grass-finished meat.
One brand name that has been used for a long time by the beef business, steakhouses, and fast food chains is “Angus.” ”.
Angus beef is often used to designate a better quality product. The term, however, has nothing to do with higher grades, better marbling, better taste, or even beef that was raised according to strict rules. It’s possible that the term “Angus” is just a way to charge more for beef that is otherwise normal but in short supply.
A lot of people like Angus that both McDonald’s and Burger King have made their own “Angus” burgers at some point.
If Ronald McDonald and the King are selling something, that should be a sign that it’s not quite what you’d expect.
Beef labels like “hormone-free,” “natural,” and “antibiotic-free” can be confusing for consumers. This is especially true when it comes to popular brands like Certified Angus Beef. Can this premium beef live up to claims of being hormone free? Let’s dig into the details.
What Does “Hormone Free” Actually Mean?
First, it’s important to understand that all cattle naturally produce hormones on their own. So beef cannot be 100% hormone free. A more accurate term is “no added hormones.”
In the US, beef labeled “hormone free” means cattle were raised without the use of supplemental hormone implants To verify this claim, producers must submit approved documentation to the USDA showing cattle did not receive hormone growth promoters.
The Controversy Surrounding Beef Hormones
While deemed safe by the FDA, added beef hormones concern some consumers due to potential health issues:
- Increased cancer risk
- Early puberty onset
- Antibiotic resistance
However the beef industry insists approved hormones are proven non-harmful. Still, demand for hormone-free beef continues rising as consumers want options.
Can Certified Angus Beef Qualify as Hormone Free?
Certified Angus Beef (CAB) sets breed, grade, and quality standards for certification. But CAB itself does not prohibit hormone use. Specific CAB programs do:
- CAB Natural – no antibiotics or added hormones
- CAB NHTC – USDA approved non-hormone treated cattle standards
So some CAB beef can be hormone free, but not all. Regular CAB without a hormone-free label claim allows hormone use.
Selecting Hormone-Free Certified Angus Beef
If sourcing hormone-free CAB is important to you here are tips
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Seek out CAB Natural or NHTC labels clearly stating “no added hormones.”
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Read packaging closely and don’t just rely on “Angus” or “CAB.”
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Contact the producer directly to ask about hormone use if unclear from labels.
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Look for third party verification like USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project labels in conjunction with CAB.
While more hormone-free CAB options exist today, you can’t assume all CAB meets this standard. Take time to check labels and claims to find CAB aligned with your preferences.
Why Consumers Seek Out Hormone-Free Beef
Understanding what motivates people to buy hormone-free beef helps explain its growing popularity:
Health Concerns
Despite FDA approval, worries persist about potential risks like cancer and early puberty from added beef hormones.
Animal Welfare
Some feel giving cattle unnecessary hormones solely to boost growth is inhumane.
Environment
Reducing hormone use may lower agriculture’s ecological impact.
Transparency
Consumers want to know how their food is produced from start to finish.
Nutrient Density
Some believe beef from cattle raised more naturally is more nutritious.
Consumer Choice
Shoppers want the ability to choose hormone-free beef based on their preferences and beliefs.
The Bottom Line on Hormone-Free Angus Beef
While not all certified Angus beef is hormone-free, options meeting this standard are increasing due to consumer demand. If sourcing hormone-free CAB is a priority for you, diligently check labels and verify with producers to find CAB that aligns with your needs. Do your homework to get the quality Angus beef you desire.
What exactly is Angus beef?
Angus beef comes from a certain breed of cattle called the Angus breed. The Black Angus and the Red Angus are the two types of Angus. Both breeds come from Scotland.
According to the American Angus Association—which claims to be the largest beef breed organization in the world—a Scot named George Grant imported four Angus bulls from Scotland to Kansas in 1873, where he cross-bred the naturally-hornless, black-hided bulls with Texas longhorn cows. The Angus Association asserts that the original bulls came from the herd of a man named George Brown from Westertown, Fochabers, Scotland—to be specific. Also, the breed used to be called Aberdeen Angus, but some of the Scottish roots seem to have been lost through the whims of beef marketing interventions.
The black cattle turned out to be very tough; they did better than other breeds during the winter without losing much weight. Grant passed away a few years after coming to the United States, but his legacy will live on. Between 1878 and 1883, twelve hundred Angus cattle were imported to the Midwest from Scotland. Today, it is the most common breed of meat-producing cattle in the country.
In 1978, a group of Midwest ranchers formed the Certified Angus Beef brand, setting up an organization to give specific certification to some Angus producers. This label has nothing to do with how the animals are raised or fed. To get the Certified Angus classification, a producer must meet ten standards related to tenderness, marbling, and flavor.
The History of Certified Angus Beef
FAQ
Does Angus beef have hormones?
Is Certified Angus Beef healthy?
What beef is hormone free?
Is Certified Angus Beef humane?
Is Angus beef hormone-free?
Some people assume Angus beef is always hormone and antibiotic-free. However, this is not necessarily the case. Use of artificial growth hormones is banned for all beef cattle in the United States and Canada. So both Angus and regular beef sold domestically are hormone-free.
Is Angus beef natural?
Some brands, for example, will take additional measures to ensure their beef is natural, such as raising cattle without antibiotics or added hormones. So be sure to clarify when you see labels stating “100% natural,” “naturally raised,” or “all natural beef.” Natural Angus beef is different than grass fed beef.
Why should you buy natural Angus beef?
Look for natural beef produced to the following standards: Quality natural Angus beef producers will also only source cattle with verified Angus genetics. At Aspen Ridge ® Natural Angus Beef, our cattle meet all of the above standards because we’re dedicated to producing premium, wholesome beef and being transparent with our customers.
What is certified Angus beef (cab)?
Certified Angus Beef (CAB) is a premium beef brand known for its quality. In this article, I’ll explain what Certified Angus Beef is all about, its origins, the strict standards it has to meet, the difference between CAB and regular beef, why it is expensive, and why it’s so popular among those who love high-grade good beef.