Now There Are Even More Reasons to Love Beef

Now your shoppers can feel ever better about choosing beef -the American Heart Association has certified extra-lean beef cuts that meet its criteria for saturated fat and cholesterol*. This certification allows participating retailers to display the American Heart Association's powerful heart-check mark on fresh beef packages, promoting beef's role in a healthy diet and driving customers to the meat case.

Learn about the cuts currently certified by the American Heart Association, and how you can apply for this program.

Get Involved in a Heart Beat
By working with the Beef Checkoff Program, retailers can enjoy simplified participation in the American Heart Association Food Certification Program and experience significant cost-savings. The set-up fee is waived, and participation cost per product is reduced to $1,000/year.

There are three easy steps to participate:

1. Complete the company application form and submit through NCBA.
2. NCBA will submit the application form to the American Heart Association for processing.
3. The American Heart Association will work closely with each retailer throughout the product submittal, payment and promotion review processes.

Upon approval of your certification application, you may display the heart-check mark on food packaging or in advertising and promotions. Any promotional materials that include the heart-check mark or mention certification must be reviewed by the American Heart Association.

Product lab tests are not required for product applications. Cutting guides are available to coach your team on product specifications and cutting methods required to yield the cuts certified by the American Heart Association. 

Help Your Customers Be Heart-Smart
You play a key role in influencing shoppers, any your customers rely on your for information that helps them make informed, nutritious decisions. The checkoff-funded certification program with the American Heart Association gives you a valuable tool for spotlighting heart-healthy, extra-lean beef cuts in the meat case.

By combining the respected reputation and powerful brand awareness of the American Heart Association with great-tasting, nutrient-rich extra lean beef that consumers know and love, certification gives qualifying cuts a competitive point of difference in a crowded meat case.

The program helps you communicate beef's heart-healthy message and raise awareness of the heart-check mark where it matters most: the point of purchase. View sample labels and point-of-sale materials which can be purchased for use upon certification.

*Based on 4 oz raw/ 3 oz cooked