3 Beef Cuts Get AHA Heart Healthy Mark

DENVERThe American Heart Association, in partnership with the Beef Checkoff Program, has added three beef cuts to its Food Certification Program that allows the association's heart-check mark to be displayed on food packages to help consumers identify foods that meet criteria for saturated fat and cholesterol.

Boneless Top Sirloin Petite Roast (select grade), Top Sirloin Filet (select grade) and Top Sirloin Kabob (select grade) meet the American Heart Association's criteria for extra lean and now are certified to display the heart-check mark. This certification allows retailers to display the heart-check mark on fresh case beef packages, promoting the health benefits of a serving of these particular beef cuts to their customers.

The heart-check mark has been shown to influence sales by as much as 5 percent. The association said more than 83 percent of consumers are aware of the heart-check mark, and nearly 75 percent of primary grocery shoppers say the heart-check mark improves the likelihood that they'll buy a product.

"We are extremely thrilled to receive the American Heart Association certification because, for consumers, it represents the independent voice of a trusted health organization," said Beef Board Member Margie Hande, a cow/calf operator from Amidon, N.D., and chair of the checkoff's Joint Retail Committee. "Today, the Beef Checkoff Program has added another nutrition success point to its growing roster to show that a serving of extra lean beef can be part of an overall sensible eating plan. The nutrients in lean beef, such as protein, iron and zinc, help people feel satisfied longer and get more nutrition from their calories without sacrificing taste."