Does Taco Bell really use a grade of meat as low as that in dog food?

Question

I remember back in middle and high school kids would always say this, and I never knew if it was true or not...they'd always say they heard that Taco Bell uses ground beef that's grade D or grade F, something like that, and it's the same grade of meat that's required for use in dog food.

Is this true? I never get their ground beef anyway (I always get either chicken or steak items), but the free Taco promotion they're doing with the World Series made me think about this.

I'm not concerned, just curious like I stated if you actually read my question details. I don't eat the ground beef there, just the steak and chicken. I don't eat ground beef in general, no burgers for me. Actually, I do eat a little bit I guess when I have chili on occasion. But that's it. Otherwise, I only eat lean meats.

Answer 1

Absolutely. Alpo sells better meat. It's grade G. My aunt is an RN and in college they did a study.

Answer 2

Although the FDA has turned their back to some things in the past, it is highly unlikely that they would allow Taco Bell to have Grade D meat for their tacos. This is most probably a rumor or joke. So relax; you can still eat at Taco Bell without feeling like a dog. Edit: I apologize, there isn't even a grade "D", there is only a grade A, B, and C, so whoever said that is out of their mind.

Answer 3

Omigosh! Is that silly rumor still circulating? I heard that and similar stories about Taco Bell, and other taco places when I was going to high school back in the dark ages. One of them went so far as to say Taco John's had a severed finger ground into the meat. These are urban legends, so pay them no heed. No restaurant or fast food place could stay in business if these stories were true. They are regularly checked by the Health Departments in any city, in any state, and if sanitation violations or substandard practices or food items are discovered, they are closed down. So enjoy your tacos and have a good laugh over the old wive's tales.

Answer 4

Hey - we must be about the same age because here's the story I heard in high school. It was said that the FDA (Food &Drug admin.) requires yearly reports from ALL chains - fast food, casual, fancy - etc. of the percentage of "waste material" that is used in their food. Businesses can take an option not to report by paying a large fine. It was told that Taco Bell ALWAYS pays the fine???? I think about this alot because like you, I eat at Taco Bell alot. My daughter loves it also. I think over the years I just kind of ignored it. Yuck! Thanks!!
Hey have you noticed what else they've done? Remember earlier this year, like 6 months ago there was that E-Coli green onion scare at Taco Bell? They have never started using green onions again. I asked about this because I like green onions - they have used that experience as an excuse to get rid of the green onion ingredient out of their stores completely and forever. They are looking at the tomato next - seriously! Soon it will be nothing but "who knows what" meat!

Answer 5

I don't eat at Taco Bell much, but if they are using meat like dog food, I'm fine with that. I buy one of the best dog food's made for my dog.

Answer 6

I have heard so many rumors. i just don't listen to that noise. I like Taco Bell. I have been working oversees for 2 years and everytime I come home i have to hit Taco Bell a few times. I like the chicken, steak, and beef. it is all good. Taco Cabana is good, but i like my Taco, Taco, Tac-o Bell

Answer 7

ewwh, after reading this I do not think that I will be eating from Taco bell any more. I try to stay away from beef as much as possible, but this makes me not want to eat it at all from fast food places.

I wonder what Grade Beef McD's uses?!?!?! Ewwh!

Answer 8

Well I dont know what kind of meat it is but i did used to work at taco bell. The meat is nasty and it comes in bags that we would put in boiling water. so to me it was just like boiling dog food that is in a plastic bag in hot water lol.

Answer 9

Oh thank you so much...after reading some of these responses I don't think I'll ever be able to eat it again. Just the thought of it makes me sick whether it's true or not. One of my coworkers used to work in their factory and said that the meat was horrible quality and he would be surprised if anyone ever ate there after seeing the things he had seen. I didn't hear the rest of his explanation but that was enough for me. Yuck!

Answer 10

It is true that they use low grade meat, however the grade generally refers to the tenderness of the meat, the fat content of the meat, and the age of the cow. It doesn't refer to the fact that it is harmful or rotten.

For ground beef you wouldn't really notice what kind of grade it is, especially with all of the sauce they put on it.

Answer 11

The meat used at Taco Bell is pre-cooked and packaged in a "boil-in-bag''...you just place the bag in hot water to heat...

some other interesting facts:

The beans are dehydrated; just add hot water to serve.

The cheese is pre-shredded & dusted w/ a cellulose powder to prevent "clumping" for portion control.

The taco shells are pre-fried and boxed in Mexico.

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...These changes were made in the late 80's, and the taste and quality of their food has been sacrificed in order to lower labor costs; Taco Bell used to advertise as the "fresh food place"....those days are long gone...just thought everyone should know.........