What's in a Label?

Note: This is a copy of an earlier blog post but we just liked it so much (and thought our newbies would, too!) that we decided to repost it. Enjoy!


We all want to eat healthier for our bodies and our environments, but a lot of food labels can be misleading, especially when it pertains to animal products. Use this cheat-sheet to make healthy choices for your family and avoid paying more for a label that really doesn't mean that much.

Meaningful Labels:

Organic and Biodynamic. You can be assured that these animals were given no antibiotics, growth hormones or feed made from animal byproducts. In addition, no genetic modification, synthetic pesticides or use of fertilizer made from sewage sludge is allowed in organic production.

Certified Humane Raised and Handled. Under the humane treatment program, growth hormones are prohibited and animals are raised on a diet without antibiotics, but can be used in the treatment of sick animals. Animals have access to clean and sufficient food and water and a safe and healthful living environment is required from birth through slaughter.

USDA-Verified Grass-Fed. This meat came from animals that ate a 100 percent grass (or forage) diet, and had access to pastures during the growing season. Studies suggest that grass-fed meats are lower in total fats than conventional meats, and have higher levels of “good” fats like omega-3s.

Misleading Labels

Free-range and free-roaming. This only means that poultry has had "access" to the outdoors, even if that means only that the door to the coop was left open for a few hours.

Natural. A natural label doesn’t mean that the animal ate a natural diet or was raised naturally. The only thing natural does mean is that no artificial ingredients or colors were added to the cut of meat itself.

No additives. There are no standards behind the "no additives" label. Chemicals, such as pesticides and antibiotics, could still have been used.

No antibiotics. This only means what it says. Pesticides, sewage sludge, animal byproduct could all be used if the only claim made on the product is “no antibiotics.”

No hormones. While it may be more valuable to buy beef and milk products that come from animals raised without synthetic hormones, federal law prohibits the use of synthetic hormones in chicken production. So while this claim is truthful, it may not be worth more than unlabeled poultry products, including eggs.

Applegate Farms is a great nationwide brand. All Applegate Farms products are USDA-certified organic and humane. Click here for a coupon and to learn about how Applegate Farms is working for a healthier school lunch program for your children.