'Ungraded beef' from Mexico is showing up on store shelves. Here is what you need to know.
If you have spotted "ungraded beef" at your grocery store recently – it's not mystery meat. In fact, officials say it's completely safe to consume.
"Essentially, you're getting a product that is safe to eat, it is edible, but you don't necessarily know what you're getting from a quality perspective," Sylvain Charlebois, senior director of Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab, told CTV News Toronto.
About 80 per cent of the beef sold in Canada is produced by local farmers, with the remaining roughly 20 per cent imported to the country each year.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Charlebois said price-conscious consumers are looking for deals, so grocery stores are bringing in more beef from Mexico, which may be slightly cheaper than Canadian beef.
Ron Glaser, vice-president of corporate affairs for Canada Beef, said grading is a quality indicator, not a safety indicator.
When you buy beef from Canada, Glaser said, the grading system gives shoppers a better idea of what product they're purchasing.
"The highest grade is Canada Prime, followed by Canada Triple A and Double A. The vast majority of Canadian meat sold in Canada is Triple A and Double A," Glaser explained.
Beef from Mexico may have a different taste and texture to Canada's, Glaser said, due to the type of livestock used in production.
"In Canada, we use primarily European cattle genetics, which are very well known for their beef quality and taste. As you go further south, you would have to use other types of cattle, (which are better suited) to manage the heat," said Glaser.
Charlebois noted ungraded meat could be of a lower quality.
"Typically, ungraded beef from Mexico would come from older bulls or cows," said Charlebois.
A Loblaw spokesperson told CTV News Toronto in a statement that most of the beef it sells is locally produced.
"We also offer quality cuts from several other countries to provide the best possible value and choice for our customers," the spokesperson said.
"Countries outside of North America often use a different grading system, which is why it is labelled in Canada as 'ungraded,' but it is always quality beef. We remain fully committed to sourcing Canadian-raised beef and supporting the people who produce it."
Loblaws adds the Canadian Food Inspection Agency inspects all imported meat, including beef, and approves it for the stores.
Charlebois said as grocers try to keep prices down at the meat counter, shoppers may see more Mexican beef on store shelves.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Families of Paul Bernardo's victims not allowed to attend parole hearing in person, lawyer says
The families of the victims of Paul Bernardo have been barred from attending the serial killer’s upcoming parole hearing in person, according to the lawyer representing the loved ones of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy.
BREAKING Baby pronounced dead following 'suspicious incident' in Toronto's midtown area
A baby has died after a 'suspicious incident' in a midtown Toronto neighbourhood, police say.
'They squandered 10 years of opportunity': Canada Post strike exposes longtime problems, expert says
Canada Post is at ‘death's door’ and won't survive if it doesn't dramatically transform its business, a professor who has studied the Crown corporation is warning as the postal workers' national strike drags on.
'Bomb cyclone' batters B.C. coast with hurricane-force winds, downing trees onto roads and vehicles
Massive trees toppled onto roads, power lines and parked cars as hurricane-force winds battered the B.C. coast overnight during an intense “bomb cyclone” weather event.
EV battery manufacturer Northvolt faces major roadblocks
Swedish electric vehicle battery manufacturer Northvolt is fighting for its survival as Canadian taxpayer money and pension fund investments hang in the balance.
'I'm sure Randy can answer': Liberal MPs defer to Boissonnault, PM Trudeau amid resignation calls
As the Indigenous claims controversy surrounding Randy Boissonnault continues to unfold, his colleagues are deferring questions about the embattled cabinet minister to him, and the prime minister.
Canada closes embassy in Ukraine after U.S. receives information on 'potential significant air attack'
The Embassy of Canada to Ukraine, located in Kyiv, has temporarily suspended in-person services after U.S. officials there warned they'd received information about a 'potential significant air attack,' cautioning citizens to shelter in place if they hear an air alert.
U.S. woman denied parole 30 years after drowning 2 sons by rolling car into South Carolina lake
A parole board decided unanimously Wednesday that Susan Smith should remain in prison 30 years after she killed her sons by rolling her car into a South Carolina lake while they were strapped in their car seats.
Leon's, The Brick under investigation for alleged 'deceptive marketing'
Popular furniture and appliance retailers Leon's Furniture Limited and its subsidiary, The Brick Warehouse LP, are under investigation for alleged 'deceptive marketing.'