Meat Recalls: Why Grass Roots Stands Out with a Clean Track Record of Clean Eating

Cypress Valley Artisan Butcher Eli at work! 

We’ve all felt that little jolt of panic—when a meat recall hits the news and you rush to your fridge or freezer to check the label. Is the product in your hand one of the ones that could make your family sick? Unfortunately, this is becoming all too common. Meat recalls are on the rise, primarily due to contamination risks in industrial agriculture.

In conventional meat production, there’s a long and complex chain between the farmer and the consumer. Along the way, issues like lack of transparency, over-centralization, and poor quality control put your family’s health at risk.

Why Is This Happening?

1. Coli, Salmonella, Listeria… the list of possible contaminants seems endless. And with the push for cheaper, fast production, the likelihood of contamination grows.

Here’s why:

• High Animal Density: In massive slaughterhouses, animals are packed together in cramped spaces. Fecal matter spreads easily, contaminating carcasses. NOT Fun Fact: Roughly 50% of industrially produced chicken is contaminated with feces.
• Speed Over Safety: Meatpackers are expected to process hundreds of animals every hour, increasing the risk of torn organs and cross-contamination. With the pressure to produce quickly, sanitation often takes a backseat.
• Waste Lagoons: Poorly managed waste lagoons become breeding grounds for airborne pathogens that can infect both the meat and the workers handling it.

So, Why Does It Keep Happening?

• Lack of Transparency: Companies involved in recalls often don’t know which products are affected. With CEOs far removed from the farms, communication breaks down, leaving consumers in the dark. 
• Cutting Corners on Causes: Investigating contamination takes time and resources, and many companies don’t want to invest in solutions. Instead, they rush to “close the case” without truly fixing the problem.
• Incomplete Recovery: Once a recall is announced, the company’s first priority is to move on, even if not all unsafe products have been removed from shelves or restaurants. This puts more families at risk. 

The Solution: Grass Roots Farmers Cooperative

At Grass Roots, we do things differently. We’re not just committed to supporting farmers, rural communities, and the planet—we’re dedicated to providing meat you can trust.

Here’s how we’re different:

• Smaller, Regional Processors: We partner with small, local facilities where oversight is stronger, processes are cleaner, and safety standards are followed to the letter. We know our processors by name and work closely with them to ensure the highest quality.

“Small batch processing and hand butchery. While we do have automated equipment, we still have the butchers/humans controlling every step of the process. So we have the ability to pay much closer attention to detail. Every cut of meat is hand butchered. The small batch processing helps prevent a mass recall because of the the total amount of pounds that are done in each batch, along with the ability to have direct control over every step of the process.”— Chris Shaw, Head of Processing

• Pasture-Raised, Humane Practices: Our animals are raised in small batches on open pastures, with plenty of space to roam and express natural behaviors. This leads to healthier, happier animals—and safer, more flavorful products for consumers.
• Complete Transparency: Every package of meat we sell includes the name of the farm and the location where it was processed. We also have an open-farm policy—if you’re near one of our farms, we welcome you to reach out to them and schedule a visit so you can see the pasture-raised difference for yourself!

See the Difference, Taste the Difference

Don’t risk your health. As a consumer, you have the power to choose what you eat. With Grass Roots Farmers Cooperative, you can be confident that you’re supporting a system built on care, quality, and transparency.

When it comes to the health of your family, don’t settle for anything less than meat you can trust – meat with intention.