'LEAN' LABEL BEEF RULES PUT ON HOLD

WASHINGTON (FNS) -- Retailers will be limited to making "percent lean" claims on ground beef until final Agriculture Department regulations governing nutrient claims are issued.

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At issue is how the agency will regulate the term "percent lean." Under the agency's initial proposal, to carry a "percent lean" label, beef must meet criteria for "low fat," containing 3 grams or less of fat per serving.

In May, the agency acceded to the meat industry and said ground beef and hamburger could carry percent lean claims as long as they are accompanied by percent fat claims and nutrition information at the point of purchase.