choosing natural

摘要

In 2006, Austin, Minn.-based Hormel Foods wanted to offer consumers a deli meat that was safer, had an extended shelf life and featured the "natural" label so many customers were searching for with their meat and poultry products. After developing products filling those criteria, Hormel launched its Natural Choice lunch meat line to retail and wholesale in 2007. The line debuted with oven roasted turkey and honey ham varieties - still available today. Today, the premium line also includes roast beef, deli chicken breast and salami. All meats contain no preservatives, no nitrites or nitrates and no artificial ingredients, which appealed at the time to the growing demand for products with fewer added ingredients. The deli meat line also offered an additional peace of mind - the products were processed using high-pressure processing (HPP). After packaging, the products underwent the cold pasteurization technique where products were put into large vessels and subjected to a high level of pressure (up to 87,000 psi - pounds per square inch). The process helps eliminates pathogens, extends shelf life and allows products to carry clean ingredient labels and no additives are required.