A Natural Labeling Minefield
added 02/06/08
by Mary Saucier Choate, M.S., R.D., L.D.
Supporting producers who raise animals in a sustainable way is important to many Co-op customers, but finding these products can be difficult if you do not know the labeling “code words” and what they mean. The following is a list of commonly used terms found on meat and poultry packaging and what they actually signify. It’s not always what you might assume!
Natural
The term “natural” is nearly meaningless for identifying sustainable practices. As defined by the USDA, it means only that the product contains no added artificial ingredients or color and is minimally processed (a process which does not fundamentally alter the raw product). The label must explain its use of the term natural, as in “No added colorings or artificial ingredients; minimally processed.” Natural does not refer to the way the animal was raised or what it was fed. It does not prohibit the legally permitted use of hormones or antibiotics. (Federal regulations do not allow the use of hormones in hogs or poultry.)
Co-op Natural Meat and Poultry
For meat and poultry to be labeled “Co-op Natural” at our Co-op, it must go far beyond the USDA definition of natural. To earn the Co-op Natural label, the animals must never have been given antibiotics or added hormones and must have been fed only 100 percent vegetable feed. Co-op Perishables Merchandiser Tony White verifies these practices with each supplier. (See sidebar for more information.)
Organic Meat and Poultry
When you choose certified organic meat and poultry, you are assured by the National Organic Standards that producers have fed their livestock 100 percent organic feed. Byproducts from the slaughter of mammals or poultry may not be fed to organically raised livestock, but feed containing appropriate fish products is allowed.
Like Co-op Natural products, organically raised animals may not be given hormones to promote growth or antibiotics for any reason. In addition, all organically raised animals must have access to the outdoors, including access to pasture for ruminants. They may be temporarily confined only for reasons of health, safety, and the animal’s stage of production or to protect soil or water quality.
USDA-approved Claims
Each of the following USDA-approved claims requires documentation to prove that it is true.
Free-Range, Free-Roaming, or Pasture-Raised
Producers must document that livestock have had continuous and unconfined access to pasture throughout their life cycle and must also include the following additional qualifying statement: ‘‘Free Range—Never Confined to Feedlot.’’
For specific livestock, the rules vary slightly. Cattle shall never be confined to a feedlot; swine shall have continuous access to pasture for at least 80 percent of their production cycle; poultry must be allowed access to the outside.
Not Fed Animal Byproducts
Feed formulations are reviewed to ensure that they do not include restricted substances.
No Supplemental Hormones Used/ Raised Without Supplemental Hormones/No Added Hormones
The livestock have never received supplemental hormones from birth to harvest.
No Hormones Administered During Finishing
The livestock have not received supplemental hormones during the feeding/finishing period.
No Antibiotics Used/Raised Without Antibiotics
Livestock have never received antibiotics from birth to harvest.
No Detectable Antibiotic Residue
Requires additional information on the label that clearly informs the consumer/purchaser that the animal may have been treated with antibiotics.
Grass-fed
Grass, green or range pasture, or forage shall be 80 percent or more of the primary energy source throughout the animal’s life cycle. Grass feeding usually results in products containing lower levels of external and internal fat (including marbling) than grain-fed livestock products.
Grain-fed (e.g., Corn-fed, if corn is the primary ingredient)
Average grain consumption must equal 50 percent or more of the ration.
Watch Out for These Terms:
No Sub-therapeutic Antibiotics Added or Not Fed Antibiotics
Livestock are not fed sub-therapeutic levels of antibiotics, but may receive antibiotic treatment for illness, provided the approved FDA withdrawal period is observed.
Cage-free
This unregulated term means livestock are not kept in cages, but does not indicate that they are allowed outside. The producer must be contacted for specific details.
Chemical-free, Hormone-free
These terms are not allowed to be used on a label.
Janet Couture
Every company has ‘em: Number crunchers. Those important people working behind the scenes. But not every company has a number cruncher as good as Janet.
Ice Cream Social This Week!
There’s nothing that the good folks in the Co-op Frozen Department love more than summer. And though summer at the Co-op means many things, free ice cream may be at the top of the list. Join us for our Ice Cream Social on Thursday, July 24, at the Hanover food store and Friday, July 25, at the Lebanon food store. Both events are from 4 to 6 p.m. and feature loads of ice cream, toppings, and other tasty treats. It’s free, of course, and kids with chocolate-covered chins are welcome. Don’t forget to mark your calendars now to join us at our next event, the Producer’s Fair, coming to the Lebanon food store on Saturday, August 9!
