"I buy Certified Angus Beef. I love Angus beef!"...but do you?

Unveiling the Truth: The Certified Angus Beef Program’s Criteria and the Reality Behind the Label

The Certified Angus Beef (CAB) Program is often seen as the gold standard for beef quality, thanks to its rigorous set of criteria and the association with the Angus breed. However, while the program effectively markets the superiority of Angus beef, it is crucial to understand that the cattle qualifying for the CAB label are not necessarily Angus.

In this blog we will delve into the 10 stringent criteria of the CAB Program, talk about the high standards and positive movement the program has created for true Angus breeders, but also share the unfortunate lack of breed requirements for animals to qualify for the CAB program. While we love what the CAB Program has done for the Angus breed, we will highlight why you should purchase beef from 100% Angus breeders, like us at Accent Angus Farm, to ensure you are getting true, pure Angus beef.

The Certified Angus Beef Program: A Marketing Triumph

The CAB Program, established in 1978, has successfully positioned itself as a mark of quality in the beef industry. The program’s rigorous standards ensure that only the highest-quality beef earns the CAB label, providing consumers with a reliable indicator of premium beef. The 10 criteria that CAB beef must meet are:

1. Modest or higher marbling: Ensures sufficient intramuscular fat for flavor and juiciness.
2. Medium or fine marbling texture: Guarantees a consistent and desirable texture.
3. "A" maturity: Limits beef to young cattle for tenderness.
4. 10- to 16-square-inch ribeye area: Ensures a standard size for cooking and portioning.
5. 1,050-pound hot carcass weight or less: Controls carcass size for quality.
6. Less than 1-inch fat thickness: Ensures leaner cuts of beef.
7. Superior muscling: Requires adequate muscle mass for quality cuts.
8. Practically free of capillary rupture: Maintains the visual appeal of the meat.
9. No dark cutters: Ensures bright, cherry-red color.
10. No neck hump exceeding 2 inches: Limits cattle with Brahman influence.

These criteria undoubtedly contribute to the quality and consistency of CAB beef, ensuring that consumers receive a premium product. The CAB Program’s emphasis on these standards has rightly earned it a reputation for excellence in the beef industry.

The Breed Deception: It’s All About the Hide

Despite the rigorous criteria, there is a significant flaw in the CAB Program: the breed requirement. To qualify for the CAB label, cattle must have a predominantly (51%) solid black hide, a trait possessed by Angus cattle. The animal could be crossbred with various other breeds, as long as they have the requisite black hide. This criterion can include cattle that have as little as 25% Angus genetics (or even less), fundamentally deceiving you, the consumer, into believing you are purchasing beef from purebred Angus cattle, when in reality, the beef may come from crossbred cattle with minimal Angus influence. The reliance on a black hide as a primary qualification for the CAB label is a deceptive practice that is extremely misleading. 

The True Essence of Angus Beef

Purebred Angus cattle are renowned for their consistent marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. These traits are the result of careful breeding and management practices that ensure the meat’s exceptional quality. True Angus beef comes from cattle that are 100% Angus, bred and raised with the specific goal of maintaining and enhancing the breed’s superior qualities. When you purchase beef from dedicated Angus breeders, you are getting a product that truly represents the Angus breed’s excellence. At Accent Angus Farm, all of our cattle are bred and raised within our own herd and are registrable under the American Angus Association. 

The Versatility of the CAB Criteria

The 10 stringent criteria of the CAB Program, while effective in ensuring high-quality beef, can be met by cattle of various breeds, not just Angus. The focus on marbling, texture, maturity, size, and other factors can apply to any breed or crossbreed of cattle. This versatility means that the CAB label does not necessarily indicate that the beef comes from purebred Angus cattle, further perpetuating the deception.

The Importance of 100% Angus Beef - Supporting Small Farmers and Genuine Angus Beef

For consumers who seek the true quality and characteristics of Angus beef, it is essential to purchase from breeders who raise 100% Angus cattle. In addition to other small Angus farmers and dedicated Angus breeders, we at Accent Angus Farm invest a significant time, effort, and resources into our herd to ensure the highest standards of Angus beef.

Choosing to purchase beef from small farmers who raise 100% Angus cattle supports sustainable farming practices and helps preserve the integrity of the Angus breed. We are committed to maintaining the high standards of Angus beef and providing consumers with a product that is genuinely representative of the breed’s renowned quality. Small farmers often employ more humane and environmentally friendly practices, which contribute to the overall quality and ethics of the beef they produce.

Transparency in Beef Labeling

Transparency in food labeling is crucial for making informed choices. The misleading nature of the CAB label highlights the need for greater honesty in how beef products are marketed and sold. Consumers deserve to know the true origin and genetic makeup of the beef they purchase. This transparency helps build trust and allows consumers to make choices that align with their values and expectations.

Conclusion

The Certified Angus Beef Program, with its stringent criteria, sets a high standard for beef quality. However, the program’s reliance on a black hide as a primary qualification is a deceptive practice that misleads consumers into believing they are purchasing true Angus beef. For those seeking the superior qualities of the Angus breed, it is essential to look beyond the CAB label and support small farmers who raise 100%, purebred Angus cattle. By doing so, consumers can enjoy the genuine excellence of Angus beef. The true taste of Angus is not just in the label but in the dedication and integrity of the farmers who uphold the breed’s remarkable standards.