Source: Dani Friedland, MEATINGPLACE, 11/5/13


Cargill Beef will begin labeling ground beef products that contain finely textured beef (FTB) after conducting consumer research, the company announced Tuesday.

In time for the 2014 grilling season, ground beef products will include "Contains Finely Textured Beef" on the label.

“Our research shows that consumers believe ground beef products containing FTB should be clearly labeled,” John Keating, Cargill Beef president, said in a news release. “We’ve listened to the public, as well as our customers, and that is why today we are declaring our commitment to labeling FTB.”

Cargill also said its research shows that consumers responded "positively" to the benefits of FTB after being informed that it's 100-percent beef and 95-percent lean.

In addition, the Wichita, Kan.-based processor is launching a new website, groundbeefanswers.com, to provide information about the product as well as videos showing how FTB is made. Cargill has produced FTB since 1993.

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