Eat Healthy   www.TheCitizensWhoCare.org Organics USDA Requires Labeling of Mechanically Tenderized Meat USDA Requires Labeling of Mechanically Tenderized Meat USDA's new requirement that the meat industry label cuts of meat that have been needle- or blade-tenderized is a common sense remedy that can protect consumers. This little-known but widespread industry practice can push surface pathogens to the interior of the meat, making those bacteria much harder to kill unless a consumer cooks the meat to well done. Consumers and restaurants should exercise more care when cooking these products and use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees, plus a three-minute rest period, or even 160 degrees. USDA should accelerate the requirement and make labels mandatory by January 2014. In the meantime, consumers should ask at the meat counter if the products they are buying have been mechanically tenderized and select intact cuts if they prefer meat rare or medium rare. Source: The Center for Science in the Public Interest is a nonprofit health advocacy group based in Washington, DC, that focuses on nutrition and food safety policies. CSPI is supported by the 900,000 U.S. and Canadian subscribers to its Nutrition Action Healthletter and by foundation grants. cspinews@cspinet.org   ©2007-2023, www.TheCitizensWhoCare.org/eathealthy.html