An animal activist group wants you to think twice before chowing down on that grilled chicken sandwich. A new video by Compassion in World Farming is urging meat-lovers to learn about "white striping," a muscle disorder affecting chicken breasts. According to a 2013 study published in the Italian Journal of Animal Science, the condition ups fat content by 224% and lowers the amount of protein. Research published inPoultry Science the same year came to a similar conclusion: Fat increased and muscle decreased based on the amount of white striping.
You might have noticed white striping in your meat aisle already. The condition looks like white striations running parallel to the regular muscle. According to a 2016 study by University of Arkansas and Texas A&M, "the severity of white striping has increased in recent years," identifying it in 96% of the 285 birds they tested. More importantly, the condition "negatively impacts meat quality" by affecting marinade uptake and cook loss.
The poultry scientists believe that a simple case of supply and demand is at play: The average American eats more than 90 pounds of chicken every year, and that number is only going up. The market for cheap protein encourages farmers to produce bigger birds in less time. According to the National Chicken Council, the average bird sent to market in 1950 was 3.08 pounds and 70-days-old. In 2015, the average weight had doubled—clocking in at 6.24 pounds—but the average age dipped to 47-days-old.
However, a spokesman for the National Chicken Council told Buzzfeed white striping affects only a "small percentage of chicken meat," and "does not create any health or food safety concerns for people."
Jaclyn London, R.D., Nutrition Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, agrees that chicken is still a healthy choice."Chicken — so long as it's not breaded and deep-fried — is a great source of lean protein (that also happens to be rich in B-vitamins, iron and vitamin B12)," she says. "Look for labels with a 'No Antibiotics Ever' seal; remember to properly cook, store and keep poultry at correct temperatures in the fridge or freezer; and avoid cross contamination during meal prep."
Whew—that's good news, especially with Super Bowl Sunday coming up. Now bring on the BBQ chicken.
[h/t Buzzfeed
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
My Bags Are Packed to Go OOO—These Are the Pieces I’m Bringing to Italy“Sing to me, Paolo.”
-
I Spoke to a Jewelry Expert—Here's How to Make Your Silvery Jewelry Look Like New in Four Steps
Five minutes is all you need to bring the sparkle back to your favorite piece.
-
Princess Kate Looked "Furious" With Prince William on Rare Occasion She Couldn't Mask "Negative Emotions," Body Language Expert Says
But it was all sorted out soon enough.
-
The 10 Best Blenders
Whip up the perfect protein shake in seconds.
-
Let Them Eat Cake (And Whatever Else They Want)
Why can't everyone just let everyone else eat in peace?
-
You Can Actually Overdose On Black Licorice, According To The FDA
Red licorice fans, you can say "I told you so."
-
Former Vegetarians Explain Why They Started Eating Meat Again
This is eye-opening.
-
How to Skinny Up Your Drink: A Guide to Low-Calorie Cocktails
AKA what to order at a bar that isn't as heavy as your last meal.
-
Dear God, Chipotle Is Closing Every Single One of Its Restaurants
Deep breaths, deep breaths.
-
7 Reasons You Need to Be Drinking Matcha Right Now
Move over, green juice. This drink is the buzziest new health blend on the block.
-
10 Health-Food Facts You Always Thought Were True (But Aren't)
Wasn't it mom who used to say, "Don't believe everything you read?" Alas, she was right. We're setting the record straight on common health-food misconceptions, once and for all.
