Producing food that nourishes and sustains people is the meat and poultry industry’s reason for being.  Although meat and poultry were once commodity products only sold in butcher shops, today, meat and poultry products bear brand names and these brands reflect incredible innovation.  Products are sold in a wide array of nutrition formulations from low-fat, to light to fat-free.  Processors make low-salt products for people on special diets as well.  Products also contain nutrition information to help people select those products that meet their unique dietary needs.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans affirm the role that lean meat and poultry play in the diet.  Meat and poultry are abundant sources of protein, vitamins and minerals.  In particular, they are among the best sources of the most readily absorbable form of iron:  heme iron. 

Increasingly, nutrition experts recognize the role that meat can play in weight control because it offers a sense of fullness and satisfaction and can help prevent in-between meal snacking that leads to weight gain.

For more information on meat and poultry nutrition, click here.