The NOFA-NY Certified 100% Grass Fed label is highly meaningful and verified. It means that the animals used to produce meat and dairy were raised on certified organic farms, and in addition, meat animals must be fed 100% grass or grass-based feed for the entire life of the animal with the exception of milk prior […]
The “raised without antibiotics” claim on meat and poultry means that the animals were not given antibiotics in their feed, water or by injection. Choosing meat and poultry that is raised without antibiotics is an important step in helping address the public health crisis of antibiotic resistance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture performs a one-time review […]
The seal means that the food has been tested for pesticide residues, and that residues were below levels specified in the SCS Pesticide Residue Free Certification Standard. For a food to be certified and carry this seal, the test results do not have to indicate that the residue levels are zero, or that no pesticides […]
Send a message to the USDA today to support the organic animal welfare rule Last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) finalized a new rule requiring humane conditions for animals raised on certified organic farms. Now the USDA is proposing to withdraw this new rule entirely. Last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) […]
The Farm Bill is the primary legislation authorizing federal agriculture and food policy programs. This massive bill, which Congress generally revisits and reworks every few years, deals with policies affecting farms, food assistance programs, and other initiatives of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The 2018 Farm Bill process is now underway. Consumers Union, the […]
What Consumers Should Know The development of bacteria that can resist antibiotics is now a public health crisis. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that every year antibiotic-resistant bacteria cause more than two million infections, killing at least 23,000 people. The problem is not limited to this country. Globally, the World […]
Closing the loophole for a strong organic label Improving the Organic Label Prohibiting Antibiotics in Hatcheries If you look for the “organic” label to ensure you are buying chicken that was never treated with antibiotics, you may be surprised to learn that the organic regulations contain a loophole. Federal organic law and regulations strictly prohibit […]
Working Toward a More Sustainable and Humane System Food Safety and Sustainability in Animal Agriculture Why it matters There’s a high cost to cheap protein. The way we raise the animals destined for our dinner tables has a direct impact on the health and safety of our food. There should be no debate: It’s crucial […]
What this claim means The “antibiotic free” claim is not allowed on the label of meat and poultry products, which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The “antibiotic free” claim is allowed on dairy product labels, like a milk carton, which are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA […]
The labeling claim “vegetarian fed” means that the animals used to produce the meat, dairy, or eggs were fed a vegetarian diet with no animal products. In the absence of such a label, the Food and Drug Administration allows livestock feed to include slaughterhouse by-products, processed litter from the floor of chicken houses, and processed […]