What you might (or might not) want to know about your meat

Credit: EWG

Ah, summer time ~ grilling season has arrived!  But what do we really know about the meat we're cooking... and do we really want to know?!?

I'm giving you fair warning - if you get your meat from your local supermarket, you might be sort of grossed out by the following report from the Environmental Working Group.  I know my stomach dropped at the thought all those nasty superbugs coating the cellophane wrapped, styrofoam trayed beef, pork and poultry at the local grocery store meat counter.  Ew!  And folks, we've brought this on ourselves by pumping our factory farmed livestock full of antibiotics because we raise them in crowded, unsanitary conditions.

Superbugs Invade American Supermarkets

Daunting, isn't it?  Makes a happy omnivore consider going full-on vegetarian (and for good reason).  But as a meat-loving consumer, there are things you can do to protect your family and yourself.

• Buy organic and know your labels.
• Find a local source.  This can be a local farmer or a local butcher who uses trustworthy sources.  Our family is fortunate in having a local butcher who raises some of their own product and uses only local, humane farmers for the rest. 
• Raise your own.  This is our favorite choice.
• Read EWG's reports on Tips to Avoid Superbugs in Meat and Meat Buyer's Guide.
• Eat quality meat from quality sources.  Let's face it, the corner fastfood franchise and possibly even the four-star restaurant are more concerned with their bottom line than the quality of their meat source.  You're not likely going to get an organic, grass-fed hamburger from Tasty Tom's Drive-In.

So make smart choices and be a happy, healthy and informed consumer this summer.