There are a lot of vague names for beef cuts, quality grades, and marketing tricks used by the beef industry, which is why we talk a lot about them. Consumers are unlikely to know the differences between USDA prime beef, organic steak, and grass-fed, grass-finished meat.
One brand name that has been used for a long time by the beef business, steakhouses, and fast food chains is “Angus.” ”.
Angus beef is often used to designate a better quality product. The term, however, has nothing to do with higher grades, better marbling, better taste, or even beef that was raised according to strict rules. It’s possible that the term “Angus” is just a way to charge more for beef that is otherwise normal but in short supply.
A lot of people like Angus that both McDonald’s and Burger King have made their own “Angus” burgers at some point.
If Ronald McDonald and the King are selling something, that should be a sign that it’s not quite what you’d expect.
With all the buzz around hormone- and antibiotic-free meat, it’s understandable to question if premium beef brands like Certified Angus Beef meet these standards. Labels like “all-natural” and “responsibly raised” sound nice, but what do they really mean?
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Certified Angus Beef’s guidelines, how they compare to common label claims, and what makes their beef stand out as high-quality.
Hormone Use in Beef Cattle
First, let’s explain why added hormones even come up in beef production. Some cattle farmers use small doses of supplemental hormones to promote growth. The natural hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are approved for this purpose.
However, hormone use is banned in the European Union and controversial in the United States. Critics believe it may impact human health, though the FDA states approved hormone levels are safe. Consumer wariness means demand for hormone-free beef is rising.
Certified Angus Beef Standards
So where does Certified Angus Beef stand on hormones? Here are the key facts:
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All Certified Angus Beef is 100% hormone-free. Added hormones are prohibited.
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Their cattle can only receive antibiotics for illness treatment not growth promotion.
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Cattle are fed a vegetarian diet with no animal byproducts.
These specifications meet consumer expectations for premium natural beef today. But Certified Angus Beef takes their standards a step further.
Exceeding Typical Standards
In addition to the hormone ban, Certified Angus Beef have 10 exacting criteria for their brand. Here’s how they go beyond typical “natural” or “responsibly raised” beef:
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Genetics: Cattle must be at least 51% Black Angus breed. Ensures consistent marbling and tenderness.
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Age: Steers must be under 30 months old. Heifers under 27 months. Keeps beef extra tender.
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Feed: Cattle are fed a nutritious vegetarian diet. No animal byproducts allowed.
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Raising Practices: Both conventionally raised or organic cattle can qualify. Focus is on meat quality.
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Processing: Carcasses are graded by licensed USDA graders. Only top grades can earn the brand.
As you can see, Certified Angus Beef isn’t just hormone- and antibiotic-free. Their rigorous standards result in premium taste and tenderness verified at every step.
Why such Strict Standards Matter
You’re probably wondering why Certified Angus Beef has such meticulous requirements for their producers. There are a few key reasons:
Predictability – With precise criteria for genetics, diet, age, and more, they can ensure each cut offers a consistent, delicious eating experience.
Eating Satisfaction – Their standards mean even underutilized cuts like brisket and shoulder clods offer superior flavor and tenderness.
Verified Quality – As an independent brand with no cattle of their own, their unbiased standards maintain control across multiple farms and processing facilities.
Consumer Trust – As a well-established brand, their specifications give customers confidence they’re getting high-caliber Angus beef.
By setting the bar high, Certified Angus Beef brings transparency and dependability to premium beef.
How Certified Angus Beef is Verified
Wondering how Certified Angus Beef monitors compliance with their strict standards? They utilize:
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Third-party audits – Farms and facilities are audited annually to confirm conformance.
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Traceability programs – Cattle are tracked from birth through processing.
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USDA graders – Experts grade carcasses to select only those that meet tenderness and marbling requirements.
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Product DNA testing – Conducted randomly to authenticate Angus breed genetics (51% minimum).
Thanks to this meticulous verification, customers can trust that any cut with the Certified Angus Beef name and brand logo adheres to their rigorous quality criteria.
Added Hormones: Always Banned
Just to reiterate, as a brand Certified Angus Beef prohibits added hormones across all of their programs. This includes:
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Certified Angus Beef Brand – Conventional beef, accounts for most volume. Must be hormone- and antibiotic-free.
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Certified Angus Beef Prime® – The industry’s only brand specific to USDA Prime grade. Hormone-free.
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Certified Angus Beef NaturalTM – From cattle fed a vegetarian diet and never given hormones/antibiotics.
So no matter which Certified Angus Beef program, added hormones are always completely off limits. This aligns with consumer preferences.
In Summary
When you see the Certified Angus Beef® brand name and red logo, you can rest assured:
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Their cattle are never given added hormones. All beef is 100% hormone-free.
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Their standards far exceed the basic “no hormones added” claim.
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Ongoing auditing and verification ensure compliance across the supply chain.
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You’re guaranteed a superior eating experience with each bite.
Next time you’re shopping for premium beef, choose Certified Angus Beef for hormone-free quality you can trust. Their meticulous standards deliver the delicious, tender, juicy beef you desire.
What exactly is Angus beef?
Angus beef comes from a certain breed of cattle called the Angus breed. The Black Angus and the Red Angus are the two types of Angus. Both breeds come from Scotland.
According to the American Angus Association—which claims to be the largest beef breed organization in the world—a Scot named George Grant imported four Angus bulls from Scotland to Kansas in 1873, where he cross-bred the naturally-hornless, black-hided bulls with Texas longhorn cows. The Angus Association asserts that the original bulls came from the herd of a man named George Brown from Westertown, Fochabers, Scotland—to be specific. Also, the breed used to be called Aberdeen Angus, but some of the Scottish roots seem to have been lost through the whims of beef marketing interventions.
The black cattle turned out to be very tough; they did better than other breeds during the winter without losing much weight. Grant passed away a few years after coming to the United States, but his legacy will live on. Between 1878 and 1883, twelve hundred Angus cattle were imported to the Midwest from Scotland. Today, it is the most common breed of meat-producing cattle in the country.
In 1978, a group of Midwest ranchers formed the Certified Angus Beef brand, setting up an organization to give specific certification to some Angus producers. This label has nothing to do with how the animals are raised or fed. To get the Certified Angus classification, a producer must meet ten standards related to tenderness, marbling, and flavor.
10 Specifications – Certified Angus Beef ® brand Meat Minutes (2022)
FAQ
Is Black Angus beef hormone free?
Is Certified Angus Beef healthy?
Is certified Angus organic?
What is the difference between Angus beef and Certified Angus Beef?
Is Angus beef natural?
Some brands, for example, will take additional measures to ensure their beef is natural, such as raising cattle without antibiotics or added hormones. So be sure to clarify when you see labels stating “100% natural,” “naturally raised,” or “all natural beef.” Natural Angus beef is different than grass fed beef.
Is Angus beef certified?
All of our restaurants and grocery store partners are first licensed to carry our brand and trademarks, then we conduct regular audits to ensure that the beef you buy, truly is the Certified Angus Beef ® brand.
Where does Angus beef come from?
Our Never Ever USDA Prime and Choice Open Prairie Natural Angus Beef has no antibiotics, no added hormones or growth promotants and comes from cattle that are fed a 100% vegetarian diet with no animal byproducts. With consumers wanting to know where their food comes from, our Trusted Path™ Program can trace beef back to the animal’s birthplace.
Where are Angus beef ® products made?
While the majority of cattle that supply the brand are born, raised and harvested in the U.S., we also have partners in Canada that raise, produce and sell Certified Angus Beef ® brand products. We’re also the only brand owned and led by the farmer and rancher members of the American Angus Association