AMI launches campaign to combat top meat myths

The American Meat Institute (AMI), in conjunction with the American Meat Science Association (AMSA), has launched its “Meat MythCrushers” campaign in an effort to reconnect Americans to modern food production and to “crush” some of the more popular myths associated today with meat and poultry.

The campaign is centered around a new website that features science-based information and resources in response to some of the most popular meat and poultry myths held by consumers, covering topics such as food safety, production methods, nutrition and animal welfare, as identified by an AMI consumer poll conducted by Harris Interactive.

“When the US Department of Agriculture was created by Congress in 1862, it was called ‘The People’s Department’ because nine out of ten Americans lived on a farm,” said Janet Riley, AMI senior vice president of public affairs.

“Today, fewer than five percent of Americans live on farms and the majority are separated from farming by multiple generations. This means that for many people, the news media, books and movies are their sources for information about how America’s food is produced. By using scientific experts, we hope this campaign will help educate people about the miracle that our modern food production system really is.”

The website features a dozen videos with AMSA academic experts debunking the myths for consumers in a clear and comprehensible manner. A companion brochure, including detailed references to support statements, is also available on the website.

Source: AMI