Organic Beef Dangers

While the dangers of organic-labeled beef may be less than that of conventional beef, simply carrying the "organic" seal does not mean the beef is absolutely safe. The FDA requires more stringent natural practices for growing organic beef, but the quality of life of the animal, as well as its feed, still contribute to potentially dangerous conditions. Unless the label on your beef states that the animal was "grass fed" and is "certified organic," some important risks remain.

Nutritionally Deficient

• Grain and corn are not what cows eat naturally; thus, they leave beef less nutritionally sound.

  The label "organic" on a cut of beef means that the cattle was raised under organic conditions, without added hormones and antibiotics, along with other stringent criteria. However, the "organic" label does not mean the cow was allowed to graze on grass. More likely, it was fed grain and corn. Studies have shown that grain-fed beef, even if it is organic, contains a paltry amount of vitamin E, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids when compared to grass-fed beef. In addition, organic, grain-fed beef also lacks the important compound called CLA, which is a healthy fat that helps fight cancer.

  The saying is true for cows, just as it is for humans - "you are what you eat." Cows should eat the foods nature intended them to eat, in order to be as healthy as they can be.

E. Coli Risks

• Just because beef is certified organic does not mean it's free from potentially carrying the dangerous E. coli bacteria. Feeding a cow organic grain and corn does not solve the problem of a highly acidic digestive system in these four-stomached creatures. An overly acidic stomach is the perfect breeding ground for E. coli, and overly acidic beef increases the chances that human digestive juices will be ineffective in stopping bacteria.

  Sadly, in addition to the higher acidity adversely affecting the consumer, it is also very uncomfortable for the cows. Cows with an overly acidic stomach have been known to kick themselves repeatedly to try to alleviate their discomfort. Grass-fed cows needn't do this, as their stomachs' contents are chemically balanced (and the cows are happy).

Higher in Bad Fat

• Those strips of fat could lead to the release of carcinogens, if cooked over high heat.

  Organic grain- and corn-fed beef have one thing over grass-fed beef - a higher fat content. While this extra fat may enhance the taste of the meat, it does little for your health. Sadly, that additional marbling could be deadly in the long run. Studies have shown that barbecuing meat with high fat content over high heat releases carcinogens called HCAs and PAHs. As long as your organic beef is grain-fed, it will have more fat, and along with that comes the dangers.