BEEF IN THE CLASSROOM

The rising costs of consumer beef products, coupled with national food safety concerns could affect Allen County families' grocery choices. To increase awareness of food safety and the nutritional benefits of beef as part of personal health lifestyle choices, a six-session "Beef in the Classroom" program was presented by Allen County Family and Consumer Sciences agent to the high school culinary class. Classroom sessions focused on an overview of the local cattle industry, with special focus on food-borne illness and preventive standards utilized by both producer and families during purchase, storage and preparation. The thirteen students developed food purchase skills targeting lean beef cut recognition and preparation techniques using lower fat cuts. Student evaluations indicated that 80 percent increased skills in beef carcass cut identification for healthier cut selection.

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