With that out of the way, we will link to a public radio report that likely explains the real reason for Tyson's banning of Zilmax® in its purchased cattle as of August 1, 2013. [The implication is that certain large export markets -- the EU and Japan, in particular -- won't accept any of Tyson's beef treated with hormone-style growth enhancers -- without regard to whether there is a specific complaint about Zilmax.] Here is Merck's official response, in part:
. . . .The company that manufactures Zilmax, Merck Animal Health, issued a statement saying the product is safe.
"We are surprised by Tyson's letter," the statement said. "We are confident that, based on all of the available data on Zilmax, the experience reported by Tyson is not attributable to Zilmax."
Zilmax, approved by the FDA for use in livestock, is a beta-agonist and acts as a steroid, turning fat into muscle. As the Chronicle of Higher Education reported in 2012, the drug can make meat tough and tasteless. But new reports have surfaced recently suggesting that cattle are growing so large — up to 1,300 pounds — that they can't walk. . . .
Finally, recall that this is a legacy Schering-Plough/Intervet acquired product -- thus the special interest in the story -- here on this blog. All things ex-SP, is where this all began, of course. Enjoy your Monday!
2 comments:
I choose not to eat beef for personal reasons but during my earlier red meat carnivore life I realized the difference in taste between mass production farm countries like the US and local farming countries like France or Australia were vast. US beef, unless bought at top tier restaurants or butchers was like shoe leather on the plate. Basic cuts eaten in France or Australia tasted like the best money could buy in the US. A shame really that the US mass produces food at such a rate and with methods that obliterate the natural taste and texture of the poor beasts that give up their lives for the sake of our nutrition.
Perhaps this lack of fulfilling flavor is another link in the obesity chain as well. If you're not sated by the flavor of a food item you may continue eating it. Just a thought.
I hear you, and concur -- though truth be told, I remain a carnivore to the core.
I just try to eat less and less of it, over time.
Do stop back.
Nmaste
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