Have you ever wondered what exactly goes into those budget-friendly turkey products? Well, some of them might contain a mysterious ingredient called “mechanically separated turkey” (MST). But what is it, and is it safe to eat?
What is Mechanically Separated Turkey?
Mechanically separated turkey (MST) is a paste-like product made by forcing ground turkey through a sieve under high pressure This process separates the meat from the bones and other tissues, resulting in a mixture that’s primarily composed of connective tissue, fat, and a small amount of actual muscle tissue.
Think of it as the “leftovers” after the prime cuts of meat have been removed While it might not sound appealing, MST is a common ingredient in many processed turkey products like hot dogs, bologna, and some nuggets
Is Mechanically Separated Turkey Safe?
The safety of MST has been a topic of debate for years. In the past, concerns were raised about the potential for bacterial contamination due to the high-pressure processing. However, modern regulations and processing techniques have significantly reduced this risk.
In the United States, the USDA closely regulates the production of MST. It must meet specific standards for calcium content, bone particle size, fat content, and protein levels. Additionally, it can only be used in a limited number of products and must be clearly labeled.
In the European Union, the use of MST from ruminant animals (like cows and sheep) is banned due to concerns about mad cow disease. However, MST from poultry and pigs is allowed under strict regulations.
Should You Eat Mechanically Separated Turkey?
Whether or not you choose to eat MST is a personal decision. While it’s generally considered safe when produced under proper regulations, some people might prefer to avoid it due to its processed nature and lower nutritional value compared to whole muscle turkey.
Here are some things to consider:
- Nutritional value: MST is lower in protein and higher in fat and connective tissue compared to whole muscle turkey.
- Processing: MST is a highly processed product, which may be a concern for some people.
- Labeling: Always check the label to see if a product contains MST.
Alternatives to Mechanically Separated Turkey
If you’re looking for healthier alternatives to MST, here are some options:
- Ground turkey: Choose ground turkey made from whole muscle cuts.
- Turkey breast: Opt for lean turkey breast, which is a good source of protein and low in fat.
- Chicken: Chicken breast is another lean protein option that’s similar in nutritional value to turkey breast.
The Bottom Line
Mechanically separated turkey is a safe and regulated product when produced under proper standards. However, it’s important to be aware of its nutritional value and processing methods before making a decision about whether or not to include it in your diet.
Ultimately, the choice is yours!
Poultry deboner, meat separator for MDM and meat paste making
FAQ
Is mechanically separated turkey good for you?
What’s the difference between turkey and mechanically separated turkey?
Should we be eating mechanically separated meat products?
What is the process of mechanically separated turkey?
What is mechanically separated chicken & turkey?
Mechanically separated chicken and turkey are pretty much the poultry equivalent of pink slime, a term used for lean finely textured beef. This beef product is made in a similar way to mechanically separated poultry, and to be honest, the process for making this stuff is pretty gross.
What is mechanically separated meat?
Mechanically separated meat ( MSM ), mechanically recovered/reclaimed meat ( MRM ), or mechanically deboned meat ( MDM) is a paste-like meat product produced by forcing pureed or ground beef, pork, mutton, turkey or chicken under high pressure through a sieve or similar device to separate the bone from the edible meat tissue.
How do you make mechanically separated chicken?
To make mechanically separated poultry, manufacturers start with chicken or turkey carcasses that have had the regular cuts of meat (breasts, thighs, drumsticks, wings, etc.) removed. After these whole cuts are gone, the remainder of the chicken is put through machines that strip all of the rest of the meat and “edible tissue” off of the bone.
What is high-pressure mechanically separated meat?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website explains that high-pressure mechanically separated meat is usually produced by forcing bones that still have meat attached through a sieve (or something similar) to separate the remaining meat from the bone.