Date

October 03 2019

Written By

Cleaver's Organic

Organic Food Regulation: Breaking Down the Detailed Process

Written By: Cleaver's Organic -- October 03 2019

organic food regulation
organic food regulations

In a report prepared for the European Parliament, Harvard researchers noted the health benefits of organic food. In particular, they noted that lower levels of pesticides led to better brain health and a reduced risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. Many people are now discovering the health benefits of organic foods and want to know more about them. For those wondering how organic foods are regulated, we've got the answers.


USDA Organic Standards
The U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees the National Organic Program (NOP). The NOP in turn maintains a rigid set of standards that farmers must meet in order to achieve the USDA Certified Organic label. These standards are spelled out in the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990, and include among other things a National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. The list is constantly updated with new substances that are added after review from the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). 

USDA inspectors do not perform certifications themselves. Instead, they partner with more than 80 certifying agents worldwide. These certifying agents have the sole authority for issuing a USDA Certified Organic label.


Achieving USDA Certification
The process of obtaining USDA certification is quite complex. It begins with an application and fees that vary based upon the size of the farming operation. Part of the application will include a written plan that spells out a producer's agricultural practices.

Once the application has been submitted, a certifying agent will review it for accuracy. In particular, they look for evidence that certain pesticides or GMOs have been used on the land during the previous 36 months. If that's the case, a farmer must wait until at least 3 years have passed before an application is approved. In any case, the waiting period for certification is a minimum of 12 months.

A physical inspection will take place to verify the information in the application and written plan. The results of that inspection are then reviewed to see whether or not an operation qualifies.


Maintaining USDA Certification
Certified Organic status is only good for a one-year period from the date of certification. This means that farmers who wish to maintain their credentials must reapply every year. This process is somewhat less time-consuming than original certification, but nonetheless remains very stringent.

An annual inspection is required as part of the recertification process. During an inspection, certifying agents will look at several areas of a farming operation, including:
  • The written plan, to verify the practices outlined in it are being followed. They will also determine whether or not there have been significant changes in agricultural practices since the plan was submitted.
  • Pest management practices.
  • Storage and preparation procedures.
  • Auditing paperwork such as invoices and sales.
Some locations will be subject to residue testing as well. This requirement comes from enhanced regulations that took effect back in 2013. As a result, certifying agents must randomly test products from at least five percent of the operations they approve each year. Residue testing ensures that any chemical residues are within the allowable limits under the National Organic Program. This is important, as even trace amounts of residue can occur even in organic farms due to runoff.


Australian Certified Organic
The Australian Certified Organic  (ACO) standard is recognized as one of the most rigorous in all the world. CHOICE, a consumer watchdog agency, awarded ACO the coveted award for Australia's Best Food Endorsement Program back in 2010. They won this award in part based upon their "transparency, consumer friendliness, freedom from conflict of interests, stakeholder engagement, equitable participation, and label verification."

To achieve certification, a farmer must submit an application to a certification office along with a Statutory Declaration Questionnaire. This questionnaire is very thorough, and requires details about an operation's history, production plan, and current operations.

regulations on organic meat

Pre-certification Process
Upon submission, the application and questionnaire go through a desk review before being passed on to an inspector. If satisfied, the inspector will make a site review to certify the production, preparation, and processing standards. Those who pass this inspection will be considered "pre-certified."

During the pre-certification period, at least one full farm audit will take place. This involves taking soil and/or tissue samples to verify there is no contamination or heavy metals present. Organic certification is not given until an operation can prove that it has fully complied with the ACO for at least 12 months.

For meat producers, all livestock must have had access only to areas that complied with the ACO for their entire lives, or have been born on that land after it was subject to inspection. This means that for ranchers such as us, the certification process can actually take much longer.


Maintaining ACO Certification
To maintain Australian Certified Organic status, farmers must:
  • Undergo at least one annual audit from a certifying official.
  • Be subject to random, unscheduled tissue tests and/or audits.
  • Pay the required fees, including those associated with random testing.
  • Maintain full production records.
  • Ensure compliance with the ACO as well as any new regulatory requirements.
Maintaining ACO certification requires a complex strategy and careful attention to detail. The rigid recertification requirements are another reason why achieving Australian Certified Organic status is so prestigious.


Cleaver Organics: USDA and ACO Certified
Achieving USDA or ACO certification is a major accomplishment for any farmer or rancher. Here at Cleaver's Organics, we have earned both. We've also maintained our certifications for a number of years. As such, you can be sure we know what it means to utilize organic best practices.

Our livestock is raised on approved land and are allowed to free roam. These grass-fed cattle are never given synthetic pesticides, growth hormones, or antibiotics. We treat our animals humanely, giving them plenty of access to fresh air and sunlight as well as clean water.

You'll notice the difference in the taste and the quality of our meat. When you choose beef from Cleaver's Organics, you'll be getting delicious meat that is not only delicious, but is also good for you. We ship anywhere within the Continental United States, and invite you to visit our website to view our full selection.

Date

October 02 2019

Written By

Cleaver's Organic

Is Organic Meat Safe? Does Organic Mean Unregulated?

Written By: Cleaver's Organic -- October 02 2019

grilling organic steak
is organic beef safe

Not that long ago, all meat qualified as organic. The family farmer raised his cattle on pesticide-free grass. And, of course, he certainly didn't add hormones or additives to the cattle's feed. Even animals given a name ended up slaughtered on the farm and ultimately on the dinner table of family and friends.

The term 'organic meat' represents a new one, since factory farms or corporate farms, pesticides, and additives did not exist all that long ago. The cattle's health and the handling of the slaughtering process determined the safety of the food consumed.

How commercial organic meat is regulated and inspected:
Today, most of us purchase meat commercially and depend on government agencies to regulate and ensure the safety of the beef, pork, and poultry we buy. The USDA defines organic meat as that which derives from cattle fed organic feed not treated with pesticides, hormones, or other additives.

Recent legislation passed during the Obama Administration required that to carry the label of organic, the animals also need to live in accommodations which allow them to practice their natural behaviors. In other words, animals confined in cages without daylight and mutilated before slaughter would not qualify as organic.

However, the Trump Administration did away with the regulations involving animal cruelty. To make sure your meat or poultry does not stem from ill-treated animals, you need to look for more than just organic on the label. Researching the source or farm the animals come from represents the surest way to guarantee your organic meat also qualifies as cruelty-free. Additionally, the words free-range and grass-fed usually indicate the animals not confined in cages.

The purpose of rolling back the Obama era law to prevent animal abuse involves making money for the farmers and businesses involved. However, more and more, the public insists on products in which the animals come from appropriate conditions. One of the reasons for the desire involves basic morality, but additionally, cattle and other animals not exposed to sunlight produce an inferior tasting and less nutritious product.

Inspecting facilities producing organic products mimics what the USDA does for corporate farms. Federal inspectors visit the farms at least once a year and examine both the product and facilities and its procedures.

How to determine that your meat is safe:
Whether purchasing organic, grass-fed, free-range, or conventional beef, making sure you don't consume spoiled or contaminated meat represents a crucial safety and health concern. Eating contaminated meat causes everything from stomach aches to food poisoning.

Typically, meat represents the most expensive course of a balanced meal. Especially considering that many Americans add meat to their diets several times a week, many people look for more economical ways to purchase meat. Those with large families, students, and low-income individuals often look for sales and budget packages of beef, pork, and poultry.

And, who doesn't love a bargain? But, when buying meat on sale, you need to double-check the expiration date and examine the product to make sure no signs of spoilage exist. Once you get the product home, unless you plan to consume it within two days, it should be processed and frozen as quickly as possible.

Regardless of the care you take storing your meat, at times you may find yourself asking, "Is this still safe to eat?" To determine whether or not to consume the food or prepare it for your family, check out the following points:
  • Color- Beef may change color slightly after it sits in the fridge for a day or two. Changing from bright red to a more brownish hue doesn't represent a danger, especially with ground beef. But, if your meat takes on a bluish or greenish tint, you may want to go out for hamburgers.
  • Smell- Spoiled meat gives off a definite pungent odor. If your beef or poultry smells even a little bit questionable, throwing it away makes the most sense.
  • Touch- If your meat feels slimy, sticky, or slippery to the touch, it most likely needs to slide right into the garbage can.
Remember to save your receipt. In the event the meat goes bad within two days, you may qualify for a refund.

Why organic meat is better tasting and better for you:
You may think that conventional pot roast looks just as good as the pricier grass-fed option. But no matter how long you marinate or how hard you tenderize, the cheaper roast won't give you the same taste or nutritional value.

The Mayo Clinic gives several reasons as to why organic meat provides a better option:
  • It contains less harmful fat and more Omega 3 essential fatty acids.
  • Organic meat offers more calcium and other minerals.
  • Organic beef also contains more antioxidants.
  • Organic meat may reduce the risk of cancer because of the linoleic acid content.
When you purchase organic meat, you also do the Planet a favor. Factory or corporate farms represent the second-largest source of CO2 emissions with only the burning of fuels as a worse offender. Factory farms cause both air and water pollution, whereas family farms typically pay more attention to water filtration and land rotation systems.

Additionally, free-range and grass-fed beef means less animal cruelty, and many would argue a better tasting product due to sunshine exposure.

Market demand continues to drive the cost of organic meat down, but admittedly, you will pay more for organic and free-range meat. Some would argue, a better option to cut costs would involve reducing your meat consumption in favor of quality. Also, using the entire animal rather than just getting steaks and roasts also represents a more economical option.

Why Cleaver's Organic is a great choice:
Due to its location in Australia, Cleaver's Organic maintains much higher certification standards than US regulations. Cleaver's also selects its family farmers carefully and maintains a close relationship with them. An onsite inspector visits each farm at least once a year.

The cattle graze on grass void of pesticides. Additionally, the feed the animals eat contains no additive such as GMOs or hormones. Going beyond the US qualifications of organic labeling, Cleaver's Organic raises grass-fed and free-range cattle resulting in the highest quality meat.

For more information on the safety standards and value of organic meat, contact us here.

Date

October 01 2019

Written By

Cleaver's Organic

What is the Difference between Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified?

Written By: Cleaver's Organic -- October 01 2019

certified organic steak
non-gmo meat products

As a consumer, it's so important to be able to sort through the hype at your local grocery store or online — especially as more and more products seem to come with special certifications and labels. Whether you're curious about the difference between free range and certified organic beef, or curious about grain fed versus grass fed beef, it's crucial to stay informed about your food.

When it comes to the buzz on GMO foods, you might be curious about labeling for non-GMO foods. What does the Non-GMO Project Verified label mean on the products you buy? Is it the same as Certified Organic? Which is better? Let's take a look at some of the key differences between Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified — and how you can use these standards to stay empowered as you purchase food.


The Non-GMO Project Verified Label
You've probably heard about genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) from friends, while shopping, or even on the news — and you've probably wondered if it's a label you should pay attention to while buying food for yourself and your family. Let's delve a little deeper into GMOs:


What's a GMO?
The term GMO refers to a genetically modified organism — a plant or animal that has been engineered in a laboratory setting to acquire certain traits. In 1994, genetically modified foods were approved for human consumption and quickly caught on: by 2015, around 90% of the corn, soybeans, and cotton in the U.S. were genetically modified.  

Often, food is genetically engineered to be resistant to certain insects or viruses, or to tolerate a significant amount of herbicidal spray. But GMOs can be used for various  purposes. For example, there are genetically modified tomatoes designed to ripen slowly, apples that are resistant to browning and bruising, and salmon that grow to market size more quickly.

When it comes to buying beef, eggs, chicken, or other animal products, many commercial operations feed livestock genetically modified corn as part of their diet. This means that consumers are ingesting GMOs through their beef products.


Why Does it Matter?
Given how common genetically modified foods seem to be in our food system, you might wonder if there's any harm to these substances. Although it can be a controversial topic, there is evidence that GMOs are not as benign as we may have been led to believe. Here are some reasons why consumers choose to avoid genetically modified foods:
  • Consumer Health & Safety. The long-term health implications and safety of GMOs in our diets is simply not known, especially as the FDA doesn't test GMO safety for consumers.
  • Support for Farmers. GMO practices can put farmers at risk. For example, when pollen from GMO crops drifts over to neighboring farms, GMO companies are authorized to sue small, independent farmers whose crops have been contaminated.
  • Environmental Considerations. Since GMOs are produced to be resistant to major herbicides, the use of controversial chemicals like glyphosate (a possible human carcinogen) has increased significantly since GMOs were introduced.
Because GMOs have serious implications for farmers' livelihoods and for the environment — not to mention their unproven safety for human consumption — many consumers choose to seek alternatives to genetically modified foods.


How Does a Product Achieve the Non-GMO Project Verified Label?
For those who want to avoid genetically modified organisms in their food, searching for the Non-GMO Project Verified label on food is a great place to start. As the only third-party non-GMO verification agency in North America, certification from the Non-GMO Project means that food is held to high standards of testing, auditing, and accountability including:
  • Ensuring that seeds and crops are non-genetically modified
  • Checking that storage facilities are cleaned to prevent cross-contamination with GMO crops or seeds
  • Testing every lot of high-risk ingredients (like corn and soy) for GMOs
  • Making sure products for human consumption don't contain more than the threshold of 0.9%, and that animal feed doesn't contain more than 5% GMO ingredients
The Non-GMO Project Verified Label demonstrates that a product had gone through rigorous testing at multiple stages of production to ensure its status, and is the most trusted certification system available to verify a product is non-GMO.


The Certified Organic Label
Another major label you probably encounter frequently is Certified Organic. There are a few levels of organic certification. If a label says "Made with Organic..." it has to contain at least 70% Organic ingredients. "Certified Organic" means that the product contains at least 95% organic ingredients, and 100% Organic means that the entire product is organic. 


What does Organic Really Mean?
When you purchase a Certified Organic product, you're ensuring that the product adheres to fairly strict standards for soil quality, chemical pesticide and fertilizer use, and animal welfare. To be USDA Certified Organic, a product must be grown on soil that's been free of prohibited substances (such as synthetic pesticides like glyphosate) for at least three years. These standards help protect consumers from consuming chemical substances, and also help prevent environmental damage from chemical fertilizers.
When it comes to meat, Certified Organic products also maintain crucial standards for animal treatment and welfare. For example, for beef to be labeled organic, cattle need to be allowed access to the outdoors year-round, including fresh air, exercise, sunlight, and clean drinking water. In addition to requiring organic feed for cattle, livestock must be allowed to graze on pasture and cannot be kept in feed lots. All of these guidelines promote better digestion for animals, decrease the environmental impact of feed lots, and provide a higher quality of life for cattle. 


Are Organic Products Non-GMO?
According to the USDA, GMOs cannot be used in Organic products. Cattle farmers who have organic certification have to be sure not to feed their livestock GMO corn or alfalfa. Generally, when you purchase a product that is Certified Organic (especially if it is 100% Organic), then you are avoiding GMO ingredients. However, there are some important loopholes in USDA certification:
  • Non-organic, possibly-GMO cornstarch may be used in Organic products
  • Soy lecithin (possibly GMO) may be used when an Organic option isn't available
  • Sausage casings can be non-Organic and sourced from animals fed GMO corn
In addition to these loopholes, the process for ensuring Organic products are GMO-free isn't quite as rigorous as the process used by the Non GMO Project — which tests ingredients and products at multiple stages during production and enforces extremely strict guidelines and testing procedures for GMOs.

organic steak cooked

Organic vs. Non-GMO: Breakdown of Key Differences
  • Herbicide & Pesticide Use. Products that are Non-GMO Project Verified help fight back against excessive herbicide use, since many GMO products are created to resist heavy chemicals. However, Organic certification goes a step further by requiring that products aren't grown with certain harmful pesticides and herbicides.  
  • Environmental. Products that are Non-GMO Project verified may help reduce the environmental impact of products engineered to withstand heavy pesticides. Again, Organic Certification provides an extra level of environmental conservation by reducing the impact of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and feed lots.
  • Animal welfare. For those interested in animal welfare, Organic certification is one of the best ways to ensure high standards, as non-GMO labeling doesn't specify standards for livestock.
  • Testing & Standards. Though both certifications are highly regulated, testing from the Non-GMO Project occurs at multiple levels of production and doesn't allow for some of the GMO loopholes tolerated by organic certification. In general, the Non-GMO Project ensures very strict standards and is an important label for consumers who want to avoid GMO foods at all costs.

Best of Both Worlds: Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified
If your goal is simply to avoid eating products that are non-GMO, then purchasing products that are labeled Non-GMO Project Verified will certainly keep you and your family in the clear for GMOs. However, if you're also interested in purchasing products that ensure higher standards of animal welfare and prohibit dangerous synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, you might want to purchase Certified Organic as well.

Looking for the best of both worlds? Choose products that are labeled both Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, as this ensures that you are purchasing products from a farm or brand that truly prioritizes quality.


At Cleaver's, we believe in achieving the highest standards possible to support the health of our consumers, the environment, and our livestock. That's why our products are Certified Organic in addition to being Non-GMO Project Verified. Want to learn more about what sets our steaks apart? Feel free to contact us or check out our blog today.

Date

September 30 2019

Written By

Cleaver's Organic

A Guide to Buying Organic Meat Online

Written By: Cleaver's Organic -- September 30 2019

organic steak
Organic meat provides numerous health advantages over non-organic meat. Not only does it taste better, but it is also free of harmful additives and preservatives. If you don't have access to organic meat from a local farmer, you may be wondering whether or not it is safe to buy it online. Buying organic meat online can be safe, provided you keep the following things in mind.

Understand what Organic Really Means
When it comes to meat, you'll see the terms "grass fed" and "organic" thrown around a lot. Many people think they are the same thing, when there is actually quite a bit of difference between the two. Organic meats are those raised according to standards set forth by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). One of those requirements is that animals be given organic food.

Organic food is not necessarily grass. Some animals are fed corn, soy, and other "organic" substances that are not actually part of their natural diet. So it is possible for a meat to be labeled organic even though an animal has not been fed grass. Likewise, a "grass fed" meat may not necessarily be organic.

Grass Fed vs. Grass Finished
Grass fed is another term that often gets misinterpreted. Grass fed means an animal was fed grass for at least part of its life. As such, it can be used to label cows that were fed grass as calves and then later moved indoors where they were fed grain.

Grass finished beef on the other hand refers to animals that were fed only grass their entire lives. This results in numerous benefits, namely:
  • Leaner meat with fewer calories
  • More Omega 3 fatty acids
  • Higher amounts of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), a substance that may reduce the risk of cancer
Organic, grass-fed and grass finished beef is the ideal choice. It means that animals were raised in their natural habitats and were allowed to graze on grass instead of being fed artificial substances. If your online retailer offers organic, grass-finished meat, this is the mark of a quality product.

Look at Certifications
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) certifies products as being organic. By obtaining USDA certification, farmers ensure they have met the very rigid standards set forth by the Organic Food Production Act. Foods that are awarded the official seal are produced on farms that have undergone a very stringent inspection process.

While USDA organic standards are very strict, they are not as rigid as those in Australia. Australian Certified Organic (ACO) certification places additional restrictions on processing, and requires that foods have no GMOs or synthetic ingredients whatsoever. ACO is recognized as one of the highest accreditations in the world because of their very tough standards.

If you find a supplier who meets USDA standards and has also achieved ACO certification, this is very rare. Only the very best farmers are able to achieve both certifications, so you can be sure the meat you purchase will be of the very best quality.

Meeting GMO Standards
There is inherent risk associated with the genetic engineering of farm animals. In particular, people may be more susceptible to developing allergies. Furthermore, feeding animals a diet that consists of Non-GMO crops means they have consumed fewer pesticides or other harmful chemicals during their lifetimes.

To determine if beef is truly non-GMO, look for the Non-GMO Project label. The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to "build and protect a Non-GMO food supply." They do this by certifying farms that meet their very strict criteria.

Manufacturing and Processing
Any meat you purchase online should come from a clean, sterile packing plant where animals are slaughtered as humanely as possible. If you have other food allergies, you'll also want to know whether or not your meat has come into contact with tree nuts, fish, eggs, shellfish, or other allergens. Cross contamination can occur when meat is processed on the same equipment as these other foods, even if it does not come into direct contact with them.

How are Orders Shipped?
Food safety is naturally a concern any time you are buying meat online. Ideally, products should be frozen and vacuum sealed to keep it safe and preserve freshness during transport. It should be packed in a manner that will keep it cool even if it passes through multiple climates. Look for someone who uses a reliable shipment method that will allow you to receive products within just a few days.

Customer Service
Consider the type of online customer service a company provides. Do they have support available to answer questions? What happens if you need to make a return or are not satisfied with your order? Look for someone with contact information that is easily available on their website.

Selection
You are probably interested in more than one type of beef, which is why you should find a supplier that offers a variety of products. Look for someone who offers numerous choices in steaks, roasts, burgers and more. That way, you will have a wide enough selection to meet all your needs, and will not have to research multiple vendors to find what you are looking for.

The Cleaver's Organic Advantage
If you are looking for a reliable online meat supplier, Cleaver's Organic is the right choice. Our beef has numerous advantages, including:
  • Being 100% grass fed and grass finished
  • Having USDA and ACO certification
  • Achieving certification from the Non-GMO Project
  • Coming from cows that have been humanely raised in pastures
  • Having no antibiotics, steroids, or growth hormones added
  • Being processed in an environment that is free from other allergens
All of our orders are flash frozen and vacuum sealed to ensure safety and freshness. We use UPS exclusively for better tracking and on-time delivery. When you purchase meat from us, you will always get the highest quality possible. We provide the same commitment to quality regardless of whether you are just down the street or around the world. To find out more, please contact us.

Date

September 09 2019

Written By

Cleaver's Organic

Is Your Meat Really Organic? Here's How You Can Tell

Written By: Cleaver's Organic -- September 09 2019

organic beef
Since organic meat must be raised in natural environments, it's easy to assume that grass-fed varieties are also organic. How can you tell if you are really purchasing organic meat products or not? Here are a few things to notice.

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Date

September 06 2019

Written By

Cleaver's Organic

Does Soil/Grass Impact Meat's Nutrition? Why It's Important to Know What's Gone Into Your Meat

Written By: Cleaver's Organic -- September 06 2019

Soil/Grass Impact Meat's Nutrition
When we raise cattle or other animals in a natural-like habitat, the soil/grass they eat and the way they digest it significantly affects the quality and taste of the meat. Learn more about how soil/grass affects meat's nutrition.

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Date

September 06 2019

Written By

Cleaver's Organic

The Importance of USDA Organic Certification

Written By: Cleaver's Organic -- September 06 2019

USDA Organic Certification
In the United States, the labeling term "organic" refers to foods or products that have been produced according to USDA regulations. Learn more about USDA organic certification.

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Date

September 06 2019

Written By

Cleaver's Organic

Eat Preservative-Free: Three Reasons to Switch to Organic Meat

Written By: Cleaver's Organic -- September 06 2019

preservative free meat
If you've ever been interested in eating organic, chances are you're at least somewhat conscious about what kinds of substances you consume. Here are just three reasons why going preservative-free could be the better option for your overall wellbeing.

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Date

August 02 2019

Written By

Cleaver's Organic

Local vs. Organic: Which Is More Sustainable?

Written By: Cleaver's Organic -- August 02 2019

Local vs. Organic: Which Is More Sustainable?
When it comes to food purchases, you're faced with a variety of choices every day. If you had the choice between ordering Certified Organic food online and purchasing local, non-organic food from a nearby retailer or farmers' market, which would be the more sustainable option?

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Date

August 02 2019

Written By

Cleaver's Organic

Is Organic Farming Less Productive than Conventional Farming and Does it Take Up More Land?

Written By: Cleaver's Organic -- August 02 2019

Is Organic Farming Less Productive than Conventional Farming and Does it Take Up More Land?
A study reported on by US World and News Report revealed a shocking assertion, that organically farmed food has a more damaging impact on the environment than that of conventional farming because of it being less productive. What is organic farming, is it less productive than conventional farming and does it take up more land?

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