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Surprise Surprise ?

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Anonymous

Guest
Angus DNA Test Results



Tiffany Craig

WKRG Channel 5

Nov 29, 2006

Mobile, Alabama



The age old question "Where's the Beef? Is taking on new life with a new word? "Where's the Angus?



News Five DNA tested Angus beef from eight different businesses and sent them to a private D-N-A testing lab in Metairie, Louisiana. It's called Eurofins Genescan. Steven Adamson is the lab manager.



"What we found was that of those eight samples only three of them were truly Aberdeen Angus beef."
Outside the lab, Aberdeen Angus is commonly referred to as black Angus or just Angus beef. However, as you are about to learn, what qualifies as Angus beef isn't so simple. Let's start with where we tested.



We made a drive-thru stop to buy an Angus burger at a Hardee's restaurant in Mobile and an Angus sandwich at a Quizno's in Robertsdale.



News 5 bought what was advertised as Angus steak at Bilotti's Italian Caf? in Mobile and a steak at a Bruno's grocery store in Mobile. We also purchased an Angus filet at Moore Bros. Village Market in Magnolia Springs and an Angus steak burger at McGuire's Irish Pub in Pensacola. We forked over cash for an Angus steak at Four Winds Fine Food Market in Pensacola and made one more Angus stop at Backyard Burger in Mobile.



We packaged up all of our samples and shipped them to Eurofins Genescan in Louisiana.



The three samples that are 100% D-N-A tested Angus are Four Winds in Pensacola, Bruno's in Mobile and Moore Bros. in Magnolia Springs! Moore Bros. Owner Charlie Houser was thrilled we decided to test for Angus! "I think it's great. I really do. I'm really glad to know that you did that because as you've already found a lot of people advertise Angus product. They may sell Angus product but they don't sell 100% Angus product."



Five of our eight samples did not D-N-A test as 100% Angus. They are Hardee's, Quizno's, McGuire's Irish Pub, Backyard Burger and Bilotti's Italian Caf?. Our Bilotti's ribeye steak that was listed on the menu as Angus had no Angus in it at all according to our D-N-A test. Manager Wes Ehlert agreed to talk to News 5. "We had pulled all the advertisements off the tables." Ehlert showed us all the signs they pulled down and says it was just getting too expensive to sell. The only problem is that they didn't take the word Angus off the menu! "We try to be as honest up front and open with customers. It was an oversight on our part and we apologize. We weren't trying to deceive anyone." Bilotti's quickly printed new menus and promised to fix the problem.



The rest of the samples we tested contained a percentage Angus but also had other types of beef mixed in. It's a little like the wild west with Angus. The U.S. Department of Agriculture doesn't have a formal standard for determining angus beef. Instead, they enforce a beef industry definition that goes by either genetics or physical angus-influenced characteristics. In other words, if it looks like Angus!



Chris Kerth is a Meat Scientist at Auburn University. "I think as with anything whenever a claim is made as to a quality or what's put on the label, it should stand up to a given amount of scrutiny. If it can't do that, then the system needs some tweaking to make sure it can. If you're claiming that it's 100 %, are you sure that you can back that up? So that certainly raises a yellow flag that maybe we ought to look at that a little bit closer to make sure that there actually doing what they say."



So we did question Hardee's. Their Thickburger is advertised as 100% Angus but D-N-A tests show it's 70% Angus and 30% non-Angus. A spokesperson for the chain said in a statement that "our thickburgers are made with 100% Angus beef." but when asked about advertising to consumers who don't know the USDA rules, the response was... "We are not interested in commenting specifically on USDA standards, other than to say we follow them."



Quizno's Angus steak sandwich D-N-A tested at 50% Angus and 50% non-Angus. The corporate Quizno's statement was that.. "no where in our restaurants or on our menus or sales posters do we state 100 percent angus beef" but when News 5 bought the sandwich, it was advertised as 100%. We went back again to check and they had taken down the sign! The Quizno's statement goes on to say that "our products under USDA guidelines most definitely meet all the criteria required to be labeled Angus beef."



Backyard Burger also advertises as 100% Angus but D-N-A tested as 75% Angus and 25 % non-Angus. Their Chief Operating Officer Joe Weiss said in a statement about our D-N-A results that... "it is not uncommon for test results to vary because once a patty is cooked, the dna may be broken down." We checked with our D-N-A lab and they confirm that cooking does not change the meat identifying D-N-A.



A later statement said that "the patties are made with 100 percent black angus raw materials." Then, we were referred to their supplier called Cargill Foodservice Meat Solutions. Their explanation is that.. "the angus influence alone would not deliver great beef... and that... "it's the combination of specifications that make a brand click"



McGuire's steak burger D-N-A tested as 90% Angus and 10% non-Angus. McGuire's did not claim to sell 100% just Certified Angus Beef. We were sent to their supplier who referred us to the Certified Angus Beef Company. A spokesperson for the brand says... "the certified angus beef brand does not claim to be 100 percent angus beef" and that "the angus breed is a good place to start when selecting quality beef, but it's the beef quality standards that ensure a delicious product."



Meat expert Chris Kerth was not surprised by what we found. "One of the problems is a certain amount of inconsistency and that's just the nature of the beast so to speak."



So the next time you ask the question, "Where's the Beef?" If you're looking for Angus, it's not that cut and dry!



Technically, by USDA standards, all of the places that D-N-A tested with some percentage of Angus can call their product Angus beef. Now, as a consumer you know that when it says 100%, it's not always how you and I translate that.



Here's our proof.??See the DNA Reports (pdf 157KB):

http://media.mgnetwork.com/krg/pdf/29nov06/AngusResults.pdf





wkrg.com
 

Econ101

Well-known member
The USDA has failed so miserably at making retailers be honest that this is the result we are getting when facts are found out.

I would like to see the people responsible for this enforcement at the USDA (labeling of meat) get the same percentage of pay out of their paychecks as the beef that is mislabeled.

If this were Japan, someone would have to fall on their sword.

Our government is so sold out it is pathetic.
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
The comedy of this is that while all this goes on daily, folks like our Gopher Trapper from South Dakota think this is plumb proper- but that actually BSE testing and then labeling it BSE tested will mislead or deceive folks..... :roll: :wink: :lol: :lol:
 

William Kanitz

Well-known member
I can tell you that this does happen even on a larger scale then was reported. This Quote;Chris Kerth is a Meat Scientist at Auburn University. "I think as with anything whenever a claim is made as to a quality or what's put on the label, it should stand up to a given amount of scrutiny. If it can't do that, then the system needs some tweaking to make sure it can.

It can been done cheaper with www.ScoringAg.com and even the buyers can see what their getting.

Our Bilotti's ribeye steak that was listed on the menu as Angus had no Angus in it at all according to our D-N-A test. Manager Wes Ehlert agreed to talk to News 5. "We had pulled all the advertisements off the tables." Ehlert showed us all the signs they pulled down and says it was just getting too expensive to sell. The only problem is that they didn't take the word Angus off the menu! "We try to be as honest up front and open with customers. It was an oversight on our part and we apologize. We weren't trying to deceive anyone." Bilotti's quickly printed new menus and promised to fix the problem.

This can sure be fixed with www.ScoringAg.com Records,You can prove any breed origin or portion of .
 

Sandhusker

Well-known member
Oldtimer said:
The comedy of this is that while all this goes on daily, folks like our Gopher Trapper from South Dakota think this is plumb proper- but that actually BSE testing and then labeling it BSE tested will mislead or deceive folks..... :roll: :wink: :lol: :lol:

DIVERSION! COMPARING APPLES TO ORANGES! :wink:
 

Mike

Well-known member
Why is it that the UK Angus breeders WANT to DNA verify their meat to keep out fraud and the AAA has fought it tooth and nail?
*********************************************************

Breed-specific genetic marker test will authenticate
Aberdeen-Angus beef
CATTLE SOCIETY
Nantes/ Brussels and Edinburgh, June 22, 2005
A new proprietary test to confirm the authenticity of Aberdeen-Angus beef at retail level is being
introduced by the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society in conjunction with leading international company for
bio-analytical testing services, Eurofins Scientific.
Tests on samples of beef from pure-bred Aberdeen-Angus and 50% Aberdeen-Angus (A-A sired), and
from other breeds, based on a technology developed by Eurofins | Medigenomix, have proved 100%
accurate and the testing procedure is now ready to be rolled out commercially in the UK.
The Society believes the availability of the new test will enhance consumer confidence in the Aberdeen-
Angus brand and help stamp out the abuse of the Aberdeen-Angus name.
“Initial market research would indicate a significant commercial opportunity for such a test,” the Society’s
Chief Executive, Ron McHattie, told a pre-Highland Show press conference today (Wednesday) in
Edinburgh.
“The main use will allow retailers to routinely check product authenticity to ensure consumer rights are
protected. It is the Society’s long-held belief that the integrity of the Aberdeen-Angus brand should not
be compromised and the realisation of this test is a powerful tool in the armoury to combat abuse.”
It is the intention of the Society and Eurofins Scientific to make the test commercially available to the
retail sector as well as consumer protection bodies such as the Trading Standards Agency.
The name Aberdeen-Angus is the world’s leading brand in the red meat sector. Its dominant position
has been achieved as a consequence of its differentiated nature and its delivery of a unique eating
experience for the ever discerning consumer.
“The prominence of the Aberdeen-Angus brand in the market place has led others to seek to emulate its
coveted position which has led to abuse of the name either knowingly or surreptitiously,” said Mr
McHattie. “The potential effect of such actions may lead to the integrity of the brand being called into
question and consequently has on occasion resulted in the potential infringement of consumers’ rights.”
The Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society has been aware of this problem for some considerable time and
has been actively exploring a means of addressing what it considers to be a matter of precedent.
DNA technology is now accepted practice in both the forensic and population genetics field and seemed
a logical route to pursue. The Society sought to engage a partner with cutting edge experience in the
advancement of such technology.
In 2002, Mr McHattie met with representatives of Eurofins | Medigenomix who have long-term
experience in DNA analysis and especially in using genetic markers (genotyping) for individual
identification and paternity testing of humans, pets and livestock, for animal species differentiation and
population genetics.
Eurofins Scientific 1/3 June 2005
 

mrj

Well-known member
A better title for this thread: Much Ado about NOTHING!

Does, or should, USDA regulate what a restaurant may name a menu item?

Does the CAB company have control over what a restaurant owner, who buys their beef from a middle man supplier, have control over menu rhetoric? Surely they could, but does CAB make any such claim?

I just returned from the SD Cattlemens annual meeting where there were many excellent speakers, one being Larry Corah, rep. for CAB.

He never once claimed CAB was 100% Angus. The literature listed "Angus influenced" and "Agus sired" and "maternal Angus traits".......but if "100% Angus" was there, I didn't see it.

It is interesting that most of the beef tested by the reporters DID have Angus "influence".....and that the "claims" of 100% Angus were made by the eating establishment......not the CAB group.

Also interesting is that there was not a word about the QUALITY and TASTE of the beef in question.

Quality folks, is the main claim to fame of CAB. To qualify for CAB, the beef must be average Choice or higher marbling and be from Angus type cattle.

The purpose of the talk and research results presented by Larry Corah was to help cattle producers find ways to produce more of this high quality beef.

Considerable focus was on research showing proper implanting, feeding and management strategies to prevent decreased marbling.

Research has shown that marbling is most influenced by management during the fifth through eighth month of age in calves.

There is much more information available about this and the website www.CABpartners.com might be one place to find some of it. Some of the research was done by Dr. Robbi Pritchard at SDSU.

Just think! If all the space wasted here attempting to denigrate people who are working to give consumers the high quality beef they want had gone into posting more management strategies for raising better quality calves.........how much more benefit to us all????

MRJ
 

Sandhusker

Well-known member
MRJ, the Angus name is good sales tool. It increases consumption of domestic beef, which helps all of us. Fraud will water it down to where it means nothing.
 
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Anonymous

Guest
Sandhusker said:
MRJ, the Angus name is good sales tool. It increases consumption of domestic beef, which helps all of us. Fraud will water it down to where it means nothing.

But the group Maxine idolizes has not only condoned, but promoted fraud for years...SAD :( :cry:
 
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Anonymous

Guest
Lying King: "The USDA has failed so miserably at making retailers be honest that this is the result we are getting when facts are found out."

How the hell can USDA make retailers be honest when idiots like you prohibited Mandatory traceback from Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling???

DUUUUUUUUH!

Idiots like you are the reason traceback is not enforceable, NOT ANYONE ELSE!


Intoxicated washed up "SUPPOSED" sherriff: "The comedy of this is that while all this goes on daily, folks like our Gopher Trapper from South Dakota think this is plumb proper- but that actually BSE testing and then labeling it BSE tested will mislead or deceive folks....."

Hahaha! This is so hilarious. You hypocritical USDA blamers scream foul when angus beef is not angus but then you turn around and prohibit "M"ID from "M"COOL because you don't want to be burdened with traceback.

How can you be so frickin' stupid?

Then you think it's fine for Creekstone to BSE test beef from cattle under 30 months of age with a test that will not reveal prions in cattle under 30 months of age AND THAT'S OK????

What a bunch of hypocrites.


~SH~
 

Sandhusker

Well-known member
SH, "How the hell can USDA make retailers be honest when idiots like you prohibited Mandatory traceback from Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling??? "

The prohibition of mandatory traceback only means that the USDA will not mandate how traceback occurs. As an example, I have to provide certain information in my customer's files, but there is no specific way that I have to do it. You should get the facts about a topic before you start getting carried away.
 
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Anonymous

Guest
Sandbag: "The prohibition of mandatory traceback only means that the USDA will not mandate how traceback occurs. As an example, I have to provide certain information in my customer's files, but there is no specific way that I have to do it. You should get the facts about a topic before you start getting carried away."

You want the facts Sandcheska?

Here's the facts!

FACT #1. "M"COOL will not be enforceable without an enforceable traceback system.

FACT #2. As Mike has shown, "M"COOL will require traceback and USDA will mandate that traceback does occur which is what "M"COOL proponents did not want.

FACT #3. R-CULT voted against a Mandatory Traceback system by a landslide vote. You tried to spin their position into not wanting a "burdensome traceback" until they proved you wrong and me right with an actual vote.

FACT #4. "M"COOL proponents, during "M"COOL listening sessions, claimed they didn't want to be burdened with traceback.

FACT #5. "M"COOL proponents effectively gutted the enforcement of their own law by prohibiting "M"ID.


Would you like to debate any of these facts Sandbag?

I didn't think so!


~SH~
 

Sandhusker

Well-known member
Have you ever noticed that you're the only one who makes these claims? (Kinda like your "deception" arguement :roll: ) Have you ever wondered why that may be?
 
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Anonymous

Guest
Sandbag: "Have you ever noticed that you're the only one who makes these claims? (Kinda like your "deception" arguement ) Have you ever wondered why that may be?"

MORE DIVERSION!

Are you going to refute these facts or not Sandcheska or would you rather dance some more and create ILLUSIONS?

The reason I present facts and back them and you don't is because you are an emotionally driven little blamer who simply repeats what he hears as opposed to conducting your own research to determine the truth.

Again, are you going to refute the facts I just presented or would you rather dance some more and create ILLUSIONS of what you WANT the truth to be?



~SH~
 

Econ101

Well-known member
How about this, SH: All beef coming into the country must have traceback and country of origin labeling. All beef already in the country is considered domestic production and a label as such is not needed.

Simply trace all beef coming into the country from another country.

How simple can that be?
 

PORKER

Well-known member
the beef tested by the reporters DID have Angus "influence".....MRJ Quote,
How about it was penned in with a Angus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Lying King: "How about this, SH: All beef coming into the country must have traceback and country of origin labeling. All beef already in the country is considered domestic production and a label as such is not needed.

Simply trace all beef coming into the country from another country.

How simple can that be?"


The law requires proof of where ALL beef in the US was "BORN, RAISED, AND PROCESSED". The "M"COOL law, as written by "M"COOL proponents like Leo McDonnell, does not allow for only imported beef to be traced.

Your simple solutions are only simple to fellow simpletons that haven't read the law that Leo McDonnell claims to have helped write.


~SH~
 

PORKER

Well-known member
The law requires proof of where ALL beef in the US was "BORN, RAISED, AND PROCESSED". Either remove the J standard or get with the www.scoringag.com program FOR THE COOL LAW. By the way ,Are you ready for the FDA law that starts on DEC. 11/ 06 or are you going to end up like the spinach farmers or the packers after Jan.09/07 for processing cattle?
 
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Anonymous

Guest
What is your cut from Scoringag.com Porker?

Are you on commission?

You sure sound like it.

This site has reached the point where it's primary supporters either have something to sell or need a support group of fellow blamers.


~SH~
 

Sandhusker

Well-known member
SH, "The law requires proof of where ALL beef in the US was "BORN, RAISED, AND PROCESSED". The "M"COOL law, as written by "M"COOL proponents like Leo McDonnell, does not allow for only imported beef to be traced."

It ALREADY IS TRACED! Every packer can easily tell where the animals they process comes from NOW, just by looking! It's so dang easy!

SH, "Your simple solutions are only simple to fellow simpletons that haven't read the law that Leo McDonnell claims to have helped write."

NCBA helped write the law, too. Did you "forget" that or did you not ever know it? As a matter of fact, guess who pushed those exclusions that you rant about?
 
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