Final answer:
USDA certified beef must be raised on organic feed with no synthetic substances, and processed using practices that ensure its safety and minimize environmental impact. FDA approval is required for any colors added to beef products.
Step-by-step explanation:
The criteria for a typical certified beef product as defined by the USDA require that the beef meets certain standards related to their feed and overall treatment. The cattle should be grazed on a diet that is largely grass-based, and any supplementary feed must be organic. The organic beef standards set by the USDA also prohibit the use of most synthetic substances, such as pesticides and fertilizers, and require that organic methods are employed in raising the cattle to promote environmental sustainability.
These practices aim to ensure the quality and safety of the beef, along with minimizing the environmental impact of beef production. As for the beef that is not certified organic but still comes under USDA regulation, it includes aspects like safety for consumption, which might involve processes like electron-beam irradiation to eliminate pathogens, as mentioned in consumer studies such as those by Johnson et al. All colors added to the beef must be approved by the US FDA, ensuring they are safe for human consumption.