Investigation Finds Nutritional Labeling of Fat in Some Ground Beef Misleading

Cinnaminson, NJ, November 8, 2012
 
Earlier this week, Phoenix’s ABC Affiliate Channel 15 broadcast a report about how much fat is really in the ground beef consumer purchase from grocery stores.  Investigative journalist, Joe Ducey, lead the investigation that found some startling results.
 
According to the report, the fat content of the label doesn’t always match what they found in the ground beef.  Ground beef of varying fat amounts per their label were purchased at four different popular grocery chains in the Phoenix area.  Samples of the ground beef were sent to a laboratory for analysis of the fat content.  Of the 24 samples, 11 had more fat than the product label reported.  Some samples were only slightly over the labeled fat content, while others were as much as 5% higher.
 
In the same news story, they spoke with a former butcher from one of the grocery chains tested who reported that customers were mislead about what they were buying.  The report brings to light that consumers are not always taking home what they think.  Health conscious consumers may at times be spending more, thinking they are purchasing leaner and healthier ground beef for their families, in vain.
 
“Earlier this year, a new U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection rule went into effect,” stated Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “It requires that nutritional information must now be on package labels for certain whole cuts of meat or on charts displayed at the store.  Nutritional labeling information needs to be accurate for all products and EMSL Analytical offers comprehensive nutritional labeling testing services for both whole cuts of meat and processed food items.”
 
To learn more about nutritional labeling or other food testing services, please visit: www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com