Cattlemen Blast PCRM on 'Thermy’ Campaign

August 24, 2000

Advice to consumers from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) to avoid meat no matter how well it’s cooked has raised the hackles of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. PCRM complained to USDA that a new campaign promoting the use of thermometers in meat preparation means the meat is safe to eat when actually meat consumption risks human health. The campaign features "Thermy," a cartoon thermometer, who claims, "It's safe to bite when the temperature is right." (See Agriculturelaw.com for Wednesday, Aug. 23.)

"This anti-meat group's condemnation of a public consumer education program designed to help save lives is not only outrageous but highly irresponsible," said NCBA in a prepared statement. "The USDA Thermy(tm) campaign is a needed program to help consumers understand that proper cooking of meat and poultry can eliminate food-borne related illnesses."

NCBA cited a recent survey of consumers conducted by Wirthlin Worldwide and funded by America's beef producers, that showed only 7% of consumers use instant read thermometers when cooking meat and only 8% correctly identified 160 degrees F as the correct internal temperature to which ground beef should be cooked. "Numbers like this clearly demonstrate the need for consumer education programs," said NCBA.

"Individual foods do not cause chronic disease," the statement continued. "In fact, diabetes, heart disease and cancer are complex diseases caused by multiple factors, including genetics and poor lifestyle habits. The Dietary Guidelines 2000 recognizes beef as part of a healthful diet. In addition, consumers should know that there are eight cuts of beef that meet the USDA labeling

guidelines for lean. Beef cuts with loin or round in the name can be considered as lean."

U.S. consumers also are experiencing a "mcronutrient crisis," said NCBA. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the United States, affecting primarily women and young children, according to the Centers for Disease Control. And according to USDA's Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals, nearly 75% of Americans are not meeting their nutrient requirements for zinc. Both zinc and iron are essential nutrients for normal growth, cognitive development and healthy immune systems. A three-ounce serving of lean beef provides 50% of the daily value (DV) for protein; 39% DV for zinc; 37% DV for vitamin B-12; 18% DV for niacin; 16% DV for B-6, and 14% DV for iron.