Three companies have recently earned the beef checkoff's Mark of Quality for new beef products. The products were approved by the Joint Brand-Like Commission on November 15, 2002 and recently received approval from the Executive Committee of the Cattlemen's Beef Board and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The number of products now in the Mark of Quality program is 63.

To earn the Mark of Quality beef products must deliver the great beef taste that consumers would expect. In addition, they must have accurate on-pack preparation and safe food handling instructions, nutritional information and manufacturer contact information; correct product names and UPC coding; and manufacturers must offer a consumer satisfaction guarantee. Use of the Mark is overseen by the Cattlemen's Beef Board and managed under contract to the Board by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA).

The three brands and their products are:

• Maverick Ranch® Beef Pot Roast
• Maverick Ranch® Beef Chuck Filet in Burgundy Mushroom Sauce
• Maverick Ranch® Flatiron Beef Steak in Sherry and White Wine Sauce
• Maverick Ranch® Southwest Style Meatloaf
• Schwan's® Pot Roast
• Tyson® Flat Iron Griller Top Blade Steaks
• Tyson® Medallion Roast Shoulder Tender Steaks
• Tyson® Mesquite Flavored Shoulder Center Steaks

"The products we approved reflect well on the industry and are excellent examples of new beef products that meet consumer expectations," according to Pat McDowell, a Texas beef producer and chairman of the Brand-Like Commission. "Over the last few years our commission has helped identify and single out products that have a good chance of making a difference for consumers, cattle producers and the beef industry. As a result, the Mark of Quality has become a good illustration of what the $1-per-head beef checkoff can do." ©