Meat labels to cite carbon monoxide

Target Corp. said Tuesday that it was working to add labels that warn consumers when meat was treated with carbon monoxide to make those steaks and chops look fresh as federal regulators faced criticism for allowing a practice that critics call unsafe.

Hormel Foods Corp. and Cargill Inc. also announced they would be willing to add similar labeling if necessary.

The meat industry for years has typically used carbon monoxide in packages to help meat retain its red color, with approval by the Food and Drug Administration and the Agriculture Department. But consumer advocates say the practice misleads people by making meat look fresh after its expiration date.

Under political pressure, Target said it had sent a letter to USDA officials seeking to add labels that would urge consumers not to rely solely on color or the “use by” date to judge freshness.

USDA officials said they would approve Target’s proposed labeling if it was truthful.