U.S. Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Research Service
Meat Nutrition Food Labels Podcast Script
 [Running time: ~ 1:30]

Hi I'm Jay Green with the Agricultural Research Service or A.R.S.; ARS is the US Department of Agricultures' Chief scientific research agency.

It's likely to be a Happy New Year for consumers who want to know more about the cuts of meat they buy. Starting soon, U-S-D-A is requiring nutrition labeling on 40 of the most popular cuts of meat and poultry.

Under the new rule of USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, packages of single-ingredient raw meat and poultry products will have to carry new Nutrition Facts. Ground and chopped meat and poultry will also feature nutrition labels.

If you prefer buying meat straight from the butcher's case, you'll be able to check nutrition facts listed on a board near the counter.

Data for the new labels was generated by the ARS Nutrient Data Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland through a series of studies. In one experiment, ARS scientists worked with the National Pork Board to determine the new nutrient-composition data on raw and cooked meat for 9 fresh pork cuts. In research sponsored by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, researchers determined the nutrient composition of 13 raw and cooked retail beef cuts.

So on future grocery shopping trips; take a look at the new labels. You'll learn more about the nutrient contents of your favorite steak, brisket or other cuts of meat and poultry. 

That's our podcast for today. Enjoy the New Year.