On 8 Sep 2005 12:43:27 -0700, "Rudy Canoza" > wrote:
>Derek wrote:
>> On Thu, 08 Sep 2005 17:37:59 GMT, Rudy Canoza > wrote:
>>
>> >Beef sold as "grass-fed" is, indeed, 100% grass-fed.
>>
>> Not according to evidence from U.S.D.A.
>
>Yes, according to all evidence.

U.S.D.A. have issued a marketing claims standard
proposal which was published for comment in 2002,
and while this marketing claims standard is under
review so-called grass fed beef producers can and
have adopted it with U.S.D.A.'s full seal of approval.

Here below is that proposed standard.

Claim and Standard:
[sbull] Grass Fed.--Grass, green or range pasture, or
forage shall be 80% or more of the primary energy
source throughout the animal's life cycle.

Dated: December 20, 2002.
A.J. Yates,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 02-32806 Filed 12-27-02; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-02-P]
http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/stand/ls0202.txt

And below is a statement from the same page urging so-
called grass fed beef producers to use those proposed
marketing standards while U.S.D.A. prepares to make
them final by publishing them.

"The proposed marketing claim standards may be used in
conjunction with [non]existing regulations or voluntary
USDA grade standards in USDA Certified and USDA
Verified programs." [my edit]
http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/stand/ls0202.txt

When published ALL "New participants in USDA
Certified or USDA Verified programs will be required
to adhere to the United States Standards for Livestock
and Meat Marketing Claims immediately."

"AMS is seeking public comment on the following
proposed United States Standards for Livestock and
Meat Marketing Claims. New participants in USDA
Certified or USDA Verified programs will be required
to adhere to the United States Standards for Livestock
and Meat Marketing Claims immediately."
http://www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/stand/ls0202.txt

Grass fed beef is grain finished, just like any other steer
in the feedlot, and U.S.D.A. is about to publish a claims
standard that will allow beef farmers to continue lying
to their customers.