Half the benefit of pre-marinated meat is consumers know what they are going to get: embedded taste and convenience. Processors are utilizing new technologies with injections and marinades, so everything tastes the same but with less sodium and sugar, and fewer food-safety concerns.
They say that where there’s smoke there’s fire. So, casual observers might suspect that the biggest new product news in foodservice meat, poultry and seafood—is that there’s actually no meat whatsoever.
Because large segments of shoppers seek products with different attributes, grocery and foodservice operators must determine the specific types of breaded and battered options — typically seafood and chicken — that will appeal to their unique customer bases.
Is 'clean label' really required? Meat and poultry processors are increasingly switching to additives with health halos to enhance the quality of proteins, but such changes are not always necessary.
For the past several years, traditional supermarkets have turned to using their strengths, which includes their in-store bakeries, delis and prepared food items. In turn, they are offering viable options for consumers seeking breakfast and lunch sandwiches.
CSPI petitioned FSIS to amend its labeling regulations to prohibit the statements “No Nitrate or Nitrite Added” and “Uncured” on meat products that have been processed using any sources of nitrates or nitrites, including non-synthetic sources.
Nothing to sneeze at: Processors that prevent the shipment of mislabeled meat and poultry with undeclared allergens can avoid the costly ramifications of product recalls and damaged reputations.
Removing proteins from commerce because of adulteration or misbranding can potentially cost operators millions of dollars and negatively impact companies' standings, making it vital for operators to sharpen their focus on product ingredients and labeling.
Processors and researchers alike have been working on reducing sodium in meat and poultry products for years now and have achieved significant results. This is not without its challenges, though.