Every year approximately $100 billion of animal products are sold at the farm gate, and Americans spend several times that amount for these products at retail. Products from animals include meat and meat products, poultry products (meat and eggs), fish, shellfish, dairy products (milk and cheese), and non-food products such as fiber (wool, mohair, cashmere, and leather). The quality and safety of animal products before harvest are influenced by genetics, nutrition, and management systems, whereas after harvest they are affected by handling, processing, storage, and marketing practices.
For consumer-friendly information on meat products, the American Meat Institute has brochures on a variety of topics to help explain current issues. Here are the topics:
