Safety Zone
By: James Marsden
Chef Emeril Lagasse – Making consumers feel good about eating beef
(The views and opinions expressed in this blog are strictly those of the author.)
Recently, I had the opportunity to see Chef Emeril Lagasse demonstrate a new line of beef products called “Red Marbled Steaks” for food writers in New York City. The products are produced by Allen Brothers and the recipes were developed by Chef Emeril. Not surprising, they were very well received.
What impressed me most was the way Chef Emeril made everyone there feel good about eating beef. The presentation included a grilling demonstration and a discussion about the food safety systems used in the production of the Red Marbled Steaks. The sampling of the products included plenty of other healthy foods to complement the steaks. In a room full of food critics and writers, most based in New York City, I didn’t hear a single anti-meat or anti-beef comment.
The event reminded me that most consumers, even food critics in New York City, like to eat beef. They also want to feel good about it when they do. Some of the things Chef Emeril did to create a “feel good” atmosphere included some remarks about his commitment to food safety and words in support of the seafood industry in the Gulf Coast and the New York City Food Bank (all of the steaks on display were donated to the food bank).
The beef industry in the United States has a rich history and everyone involved should have pride in what they do. However, many in the industry have lost that sense of pride. I once heard the owner of a veal plant talk about how he used to have a license plate with the word “VEAL” prominently displayed. Now he said he is afraid to tell anyone about his business. I guess this comes from years of attacks from animal rights groups and other activists who oppose eating meat.
Despite the negative press, most consumers understand that beef not only tastes great, but also provides protein, iron and other important nutrients. Maybe the most effective way to neutralize animal rights activists and other critics of the industry would be to give consumers reasons to feel good about eating beef. This is done routinely across the rest of the food industry. Even snack foods that offer little in the way of good nutrition tout the fact that they have “zero grams of trans fats per serving.”
Beef and other meat products do provide good nutrition. Beef by nature is a sustainable product and can be produced in ways that are good for the environment. The safety of beef products also continues to improve and remains a high priority for beef producers and processors. It shouldn’t be that difficult to give consumers reasons to feel good about eating beef.
Our country is becoming increasingly urbanized. If we want new generations of urban consumers to continue eating beef and other meat products, they need to know that beef producers and meat companies do have a social conscience and are committed to food safety, worker safety, animal welfare and sustainability. They also need to know that the industry provides tens of thousands of jobs and creates wealth from renewable resources.
Emeril Lagasse succeeded in creating good will for the industry amongst influential thought leaders with a few sincere and well placed words. In my view this approach is the best way to win over critics and create new customers.
*********************
Movie profiling Temple Grandin garners Emmy nominations
By Ann Bagel Storck
“Temple Grandin,” the HBO movie that chronicles the animal welfare expert’s perseverance while struggling with autism, has been nominated for 15 Primetime Emmy Awards.
The nominiations include Best Made for Television Movie, Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie (Claire Danes), Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie (David Strathairn) and Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie (Julia Ormond and Catherine O’Hara).
The movie, which aired this past February, earned extensive critical acclaim in the mainstream press. (See Reviews offer high praise for upcoming Temple Grandin film, Meatingplace, Feb. 5, 2010.)
The 62nd annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be held Aug. 29 and broadcast on NBC.
