Analysis of U.S. Food Sourcing: From Source to Table

Meats: Chicken, Beef, Pork, Turkey, and Lamb

Overview and Consumption

The five most consumed meats in the U.S., based on per capita consumption data, are chicken, beef, pork, turkey, and lamb. According to the USDA, in 2022, Americans consumed approximately 98.9 pounds of chicken, 56.2 pounds of beef, 47.5 pounds of pork, 14.6 pounds of turkey, and 1.3 pounds of lamb per capita (Statista, 2025).

Country of Origin

• Chicken: The U.S. is the world's largest producer of poultry, with significant production in states like Georgia and Arkansas. The National Chicken Council reports that the U.S. exports chicken to over 150 countries, indicating robust domestic production (National Chicken Council, 2021). Imports are minimal, with 82,000 metric tons of broiler meat imported in 2024 compared to billions of pounds produced domestically (Statista, 2025).
• Beef: The U.S. is the top global producer of beef, with 12.6 million metric tons produced in 2022. However, imports, particularly lean trimmings for ground beef, account for 20-30% of ground beef supply, primarily from Canada, Mexico, and Australia (Iowa Farm Bureau, 2023).
• Pork: Most pork is domestically produced, with major production in Iowa and North Carolina. Imports are limited, mainly from Canada.
• Turkey: The U.S. is the largest turkey producer, with 5.11 billion pounds produced in 2024, primarily in Minnesota and North Carolina (USDA ERS, 2024).
• Lamb: Domestic production is limited, with over half of U.S. lamb supply imported from Australia and New Zealand (USDA ERS, 2025).

"Made in America" Qualifications

The USDA's "Product of USA" or "Made in the USA" label for meat, poultry, and egg products requires that animals are born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the U.S. (USDA, 2024). This ensures that labeled products are entirely domestic. However, imported meats processed in the U.S. cannot carry this label unless they meet these criteria.

Processing Levels

Meats are consumed in both fresh and processed forms. Fresh meats, such as whole chickens or beef steaks, are minimally processed, involving only cutting or packaging. Processed meats include products like chicken nuggets, sausages, and deli meats, which undergo curing, smoking, or addition of preservatives. While exact proportions are unavailable, a 2017 survey indicated that 40% of Americans consume ready-to-eat meat weekly, suggesting a significant processed meat market (Statista, 2025). The NOVA classification system defines ultra-processed foods as those with additives like preservatives and flavorings, often including processed meats (Monteiro et al., 2019).

Contaminants and Additives

• Glyphosate: Studies show that glyphosate residues in meat are typically below detection limits (<0.05 mg/kg) in muscle tissue for both chicken and beef, as reported by the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (2005). This is due to the low transfer rate from feed to meat.
• Vaccines: Poultry and cattle are vaccinated against diseases like Salmonella and Newcastle disease, but vaccines do not leave residues in meat, as they are administered to live animals and are not present in the final product (Pew Charitable Trusts, 2020).
• Hormones: Hormones are banned in poultry production in the U.S. since the 1950s (National Chicken Council, 2015). In beef production, hormones like estradiol and testosterone are used via ear implants to enhance growth, but residues are monitored by the USDA to ensure they are within safe limits (SDSU Extension, 2022).
• Other Additives: Fresh meats typically have no additives, but processed meats may contain salt, MSG, or sodium erythorbate, which must be listed on labels (USDA FSIS, 2021). These additives are regulated for safety.

Meat	Country of Origin	"Made in USA" Criteria	Processing Level	Glyphosate Residues	Vaccines	Hormones	Other Additives
Chicken	Primarily U.S.	Born, raised, slaughtered, processed in U.S.	Fresh and processed (e.g., nuggets)	<0.05 mg/kg	Used, no residues	None	In processed products
Beef	U.S. and imports (Canada, Mexico, Australia)	Born, raised, slaughtered, processed in U.S.	Fresh and processed (e.g., burgers)	<0.05 mg/kg	Used, no residues	Used, monitored	In processed products
Pork	Primarily U.S.	Born, raised, slaughtered, processed in U.S.	Fresh and processed (e.g., bacon)	<0.05 mg/kg	Used, no residues	None	In processed products
Turkey	Primarily U.S.	Born, raised, slaughtered, processed in U.S.	Fresh and processed (e.g., deli meat)	<0.05 mg/kg	Used, no residues	None	In processed products
Lamb	U.S. and imports (Australia, New Zealand)	Born, raised, slaughtered, processed in U.S.	Fresh and processed	<0.05 mg/kg	Used, no residues	None	In processed products

Fish: Shrimp, Salmon, Canned Tuna, Tilapia, Alaska Pollock

Overview and Consumption

The most consumed seafood in the U.S. in 2022, according to the National Fisheries Institute, are shrimp (5.5 pounds per capita), salmon (3.22 pounds), canned tuna (2.5 pounds), tilapia (1.1 pounds), and Alaska pollock (0.9 pounds) (NFI, 2025).

Country of Origin

• Shrimp: Over 90% of shrimp consumed in the U.S. is imported, primarily from India, Thailand, and Indonesia. Domestic production, mainly from the Gulf of Mexico, accounts for less than 10% (Path to the Plate, n.d.).
• Salmon: Includes wild-caught from Alaska and farmed salmon, both domestic and imported from Norway and Chile.
• Canned Tuna: Mostly imported, with tuna caught in the Pacific and processed in countries like Thailand.
• Tilapia: Largely imported from Asia, particularly China, due to cost-effective farming.
• Alaska Pollock: Primarily wild-caught from U.S. waters in Alaska.

"Made in America" Qualifications

The USDA's "Product of USA" label for fish requires that they are caught or farmed and processed in the U.S. The Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) regulation mandates that retailers indicate whether seafood is wild or farmed and its country of origin (USDA, 2024).

Processing Levels

Fish are consumed in fresh, frozen, and processed forms. Fresh fish, like salmon fillets, are minimally processed, while canned tuna and fish sticks are ultra-processed, containing additives for preservation and flavor (Monteiro et al., 2019). Approximately 78% of fish is consumed fresh or frozen, with 15% processed into oils or canned products (WorldAtlas, 2017).

Contaminants

• Pesticides: Farmed fish, such as tilapia and salmon, may contain pesticide residues from vegetable-based feed. Studies indicate potential bioaccumulation, though levels are regulated (ScienceDaily, 2011).
• Other Contaminants: Mercury is a concern in larger fish like tuna, but glyphosate is less relevant for wild-caught fish due to their natural diet. Additives in processed fish, like sodium tripolyphosphate, are considered safe in low doses (FoodPrint, 2019).

Fish	Country of Origin	"Made in USA" Criteria	Processing Level	Pesticide Residues
Shrimp	Mostly imported (India, Thailand)	Caught/farmed, processed in U.S.	Fresh, frozen, processed	Possible in farmed
Salmon	U.S. (Alaska), Norway, Chile	Caught/farmed, processed in U.S.	Fresh, frozen, processed	Possible in farmed
Canned Tuna	Imported (Pacific, Thailand)	Caught/farmed, processed in U.S.	Processed	Minimal
Tilapia	Mostly imported (China)	Caught/farmed, processed in U.S.	Fresh, frozen, processed	Possible in farmed
Alaska Pollock	U.S. (Alaska)	Caught/farmed, processed in U.S.	Fresh, frozen, processed	Minimal

Agricultural Products: Wheat, Corn, Soybeans, Rice, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Apples, Oranges, Lettuce, Carrots

Overview and Consumption

The most consumed agricultural products in the U.S. include wheat, corn, soybeans, rice, potatoes, tomatoes, apples, oranges, lettuce, and carrots, based on their widespread use in diets and food availability data (USDA ERS, 2025).

Country of Origin

• Wheat, Corn, Soybeans: The U.S. is a leading producer, with corn covering 93 million acres and soybeans 82 million acres in 2023 (Visual Capitalist, 2024). Minimal imports occur.
• Rice: Mostly domestic, but some imports from Asia.
• Potatoes, Tomatoes, Apples, Lettuce, Carrots: Primarily U.S.-grown, with California and Idaho leading. Some imports, like tomatoes from Mexico, occur seasonally.
• Oranges: Mostly domestic (Florida, California), with some imports from Mexico.

"Made in America" Qualifications

Crops grown in the U.S. qualify for the "Made in the USA" label if all significant processing occurs domestically (FTC, 2024).

Processing Levels

Many crops are processed into products like flour (wheat), high fructose corn syrup (corn), or canned goods (tomatoes). Ultra-processed products dominate, with wheat and corn used in breads, snacks, and sweeteners (American Action Forum, 2021).

Contaminants

Pesticide residues are common in conventional crops but are regulated to be within safe limits. Organic options reduce synthetic pesticide use. Glyphosate is widely used on crops like corn and soybeans, but residues in food are typically below maximum residue limits (Vicini, 2021).

Crop	Country of Origin	"Made in USA" Criteria	Processing Level	Pesticide Residues
Wheat	U.S. ascended	Grown in U.S.	Fresh, processed (flour, bread)	Common, regulated
Corn	U.S.	Grown in U.S.	Fresh, processed (syrup, ethanol)	Common, regulated
Soybeans	U.S.	Grown in U.S.	Processed (oil, feed)	Common, regulated
Rice	U.S., some imports	Grown in U.S.	Fresh, processed	Common, regulated
Potatoes	U.S.	Grown in U.S.	Fresh, processed (fries, chips)	Common, regulated
Tomatoes	U.S., Mexico	Grown in U.S.	Fresh, processed (sauce, canned)	Common, regulated
Apples	U.S.	Grown in U.S.	Fresh, processed (juice, sauce)	Common, regulated
Oranges	U.S., Mexico	Grown in U.S.	Fresh, processed (juice)	Common, regulated
Lettuce	U.S.	Grown in U.S.	Fresh	Common, regulated
Carrots	U.S.	Grown in U.S.	Fresh, processed	Common, regulated

Corporate Influence and Subsidies

Government subsidies, totaling $9.3 billion in 2024 for commodity crops like corn and soybeans, have significantly influenced the food industry (USAFacts, 2025). These subsidies lower the cost of crops used in processed foods and animal feed, benefiting large agribusinesses. Approximately 90% of subsidies go to the largest 20% of farms, leading to market concentration and reduced opportunities for small farmers (Lovelivelocal, 2021). This has resulted in a food supply dominated by ultra-processed products, contributing to health issues like obesity (Wikipedia, 2024).

Solutions: Local Sourcing and Regenerative Farming

To address these challenges, local food sourcing can reduce dependence on corporate supply chains, support small farmers, and provide fresher, less processed foods. Regenerative farming, which emphasizes soil health, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity, can enhance food quality and environmental sustainability. These practices align with initiatives like the Make America Great Again movement, promoting domestic self-sufficiency and healthier food systems (Farm Action, 2022).

Conclusion

The U.S. food system is heavily influenced by subsidies that favor large-scale production of commodity crops, leading to market concentration and a prevalence of ultra-processed foods. While meats, fish, and crops are mostly domestically produced, imports and processing are significant. Contaminants are regulated, but concerns persist, particularly for farmed fish and conventional crops. Local sourcing and regenerative farming offer promising solutions to improve food quality, support local economies, and enhance environmental outcomes.

Citations

• National Chicken Council. "International Trade." Link
• Iowa Farm Bureau. "World Beef Trade." Link
• USDA. "USDA Finalizes Voluntary 'Product of USA' Label Claim." Link
• Journal of Animal Science. "Detection of dietary DNA, protein, and glyphosate in meat, milk, and eggs." Link
• SDSU Extension. "Hormones in Beef: Myths vs. Facts." Link
• NOAA Fisheries. "Behind the Scenes of the Most Consumed Seafood." Link
• ScienceDaily. "Farmed fish fed vegetable matter may have residual pesticides." Link
• American Action Forum. "PRIMER: Agriculture Subsidies and Their Influence on the Composition of U.S. Food Supply and Consumption." Link
• Farm Action. "Putting Our Money Where Our Mouths Should Be: The Great Contradiction Between U.S. Food Subsidies and Dietary Guidelines." Link
• Statista. "Projected meat consumption in U.S. by type 2033." Link
• Visual Capitalist. "Ranked: America's Top Crops by Acres Harvested in 2023."