Painted Hills Natural Beef

News Release
August 14, 2006

Painted Hills Natural Beef Franks and Hotdogs Now Nitrite Free

Fossil, Ore. - Painted Hills Natural Beef is pleased to announce the arrival of new nitrite free Franks and Hotdogs. Beginning in August, these new products will be available to all retail partners. Recent advances in food technology are now allowing the company to pursue nitrite and nitrate free products while still retaining an appealing product color and great taste.

Painted Hills Natural Beef is working with Hempler’s Foods in Ferndale , Washington to produce these new products. Hempler’s is widely recognized as the region’s leader in nitrite and nitrate free production. “We’re excited to be working with Hempler’s Foods. They’re a great group of people who produce great products – just the type of company we want to work with,” said Projects Coordinator Jessica Bates. However, for the time being, Painted Hills Natural Beef German Sausages and Beef Sticks will retain their nitrite ingredients. Bates hopes these products will also be available without nitrites or nitrates in the future. “We are working diligently to find a replacement recipe to provide what the consumer is looking for with the quality we demand.”

Consumers can expect several changes in product specification with this product change. Both products will increase slightly in size, with the Franks increasing to 4 dogs per pound and the Hot Dogs increasing to 6 dogs per pound. Shelf life is conservatively set at 60 days, but may be adjusted after further testing. For more information, contact Jessica Bates, Projects Coordinator at jessica@natural-beef.com or toll-free at 1.877.306.8247.