by Marion Nestle
Mar 22 2008

The “Chickenization” of the Beef Industry

I’ve just learned a new word: “chickenization.” This comes from an article on meatpoultry.com explaining how consolidation in the beef industry has gotten so extreme that just three companies now control more than 70% of the market: JBS 31%, Tyson 21%, and Cargill 21%. Monopoly capitalism in action!

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  • Sheila

    Sadly, this might result in beef becoming as hard to find in unadulterated form as chicken is.
    This weekend, I tried in vain to find a supermarket package of chicken that was just chicken, not chicken that had 15% “flavor solution” added. Upon reading the fine print, this so-called flavor solution is just salt water. First, I don’t want to pay chicken prices per pound (or beef prices per pound) for salt water. And, second, I believe neither my guests nor I need so much salt added for us to the poultry or beef. Given the choice, we cook without added salt, and use herbs and spices for flavor. But, as I said, I could not find a package of just plain chicken. So, we have elected a vegetarian Easter dinner. Do you suppose they will someday chickenize lentils?

  • Daniel Ithaca,NY

    Yea Sheila! A Vegetarian Easter dinner. Beautiful. Peaceful.