Lie #5: Mad cow disease isn't a threat in the U.S.

The truth: There is a current practice in the meat industry that does raise Mad Cow Disease concerns. "There's a loophole in the federal standards that allows parts of downed or dead cattle from the dalughterhouse, meaning dead upon arrival, which cannot be used for human consumption, but can be used in animal feed," explains Vaalaeys.

Eat this instead: Go the organic route, since The National Organic Program bans the use of feeding animal byproducts to livestock. You can also find a local farmer you trust who raises cows on pasture, not grain that could contain animal byproducts.