Food Safety First

At the processing plant, sometimes called an abattoir or meat plant, the animals are inspected to ensure that they are healthy and that the meat will be wholesome. Government standards have been set for meat ; the standards are enforced by inspectors. The animals are processed into large meat cuts; later, they are cut and processed into steaks, hamburger, roasts and other meat products. The beef fat is used for making margarine and shortening as well as some chewing gum and candies. The gelatin from bones and horns is used in marshmallows, ice cream and canned meats.

More Than What we Eat

The parts of the animals that are not used for food are used in the manufacture of a wide range of other products such as candles, cosmetics, crayons, and jello. Beef hides are made into leather for handbags, shoes, gloves, belts, and briefcases. Beef hair is used to make art paint brushes. Bones, horns, and hooves are made into buttons, bone china, piano keys, glue and fertilizers. Beef fat or is used for making glycerin for lipstick, toothpaste and cough medicines. Beef by-products are also used in some pharmaceuticals for the treatment of diabetes, allergies and leukemia.

"Wholesale and Retail Stage"

Beef Cuts are sold to large grocery store chains as well as individually-owned butcher shops. The meat cuts, whether fresh or frozen, are transported in refrigerated trucks to guarantee safety and quality. The meat products are also distributed to restaurants, hospitals, and other institutions.

"Consumer Stage"

A consumer activity can occur in a variety of locations - by visiting a grocery store, purchasing sporting goods, or buying a fast-food item at the mall. Ontario farmers, the producers who raise the animals, are also part of your community, and use meat products everyday. They are committed to supplying safe, nutritious food and products of high quality.

A look around our homes, our school or the gym will show that beef ... and its by-products ... are almost everywhere!