SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Tyson Foods Inc. is among major meat companies that are considering labeling ground beef containing lean finely textured beef (LFTB).

“As reported, some meat processing companies are exploring the possibility of labeling ground beef containing Lean Finely Textured Beef (LFTB),” said Gary Mickelson, Tyson spokesman, in an e-mail. “We’re one of them.

“Our company submitted a labeling request to USDA in anticipation some of our customers will buy ground beef containing LFTB if it’s labeled. We want to make sure we’re in a position to meet the needs of our customers,” he added.

Tyson doesn’t make LFTB, but the company buys it from suppliers. Mickelson said the company saw a sharp increase in demand for non-LFTB products following negative media coverage of LFTB. However, interest in purchasing ground beef with LFTB has started to climb.

Cargill is also reported to have submitted a similar request.