Meat Label Misconceptions

About 95% percent of all beef and chicken in the US today is factory farmed or conventional meat.  The problem with this is that the beef and chicken mostly comes from CAFOs  (concentrated animal feeding operations), meaning that thousands and thousands of animals are crammed together in small spaces, many are not even exposed to the outdoors at all, and these animals are fed a diet of genetically modified corn and soy as well as grains.  Instead of raising cows grazing on grass,  or chickens that hunt and peck for their food, we changed to CAFOs where animals are brought their food, a diet of GMO corn, soy and grains which by the way damages the digestive system of these animals.  Because of this, animals are fed antibiotics to keep them from getting sick or dying.   This practice began in the early 1980's when we switched from small, local farms to these CAFOs in order to meet the demand for more food as well as the profit potential from these large scale farms. 

Why should we be concerned about this? First of all, a big concern is the unhealthy conditions of these CAFOs and the fact that as a result we have been feeding cows who normally graze on grass a diet of foods that are unhealthy for them to fatten them up quickly. We have been feeding chickens GMO corn, soy and grains as well instead of bugs, worms, and seeds that they normally consume.  This translates to sick cows and sick chickens meaning that most of the beef and chicken being consumed in America is from sick animals. It is no wonder so many have turned to eating a vegetarian or vegan diet. But you don't have to go vegetarian or vegan if you enjoy meat, you can simply make some changes to the quality of meat you purchase.  

Despite the misleading labels you find at the grocery store that make you believe you are purchasing something better, the best type of beef you can purchase is 100% grass-fed organic beef from your local co-op, specialty retailer, or farmer's market.  The best kind of chicken you can buy is pasture raised organic chicken.  

Many of the labels you will see on meat in the grocery store are misleading and don't mean what people think. Here are some explanations:  

Natural
If you see this on a label, it does not refer to how the animal was raised but rather how the meat was processed. In order for something to be labelled "natural" it has to be minimally processed, cannot contain artificial ingredients, and cannot contain preservatives.

Naturally Raised
This label refers to how the animal was raised.  It means that the animal was not given growth promoting hormones, antibiotics and was not fed animal by products or fish by-products. The animals are however allowed to be vaccinated and given products to control parasites.  

Free Range
This usually refers to chickens and means that chickens were allowed access to the outdoors but does not mean the animals actually went outside or had access to grass to hunt and peck for food.

No Hormones
Sounds impressive but means nothing. Hormones have been illegal in US poultry since 1959.  

Vegetarian Fed
Though some people may think a vegetarian diet sounds healthy, it really translates to animals being fed GMO corn, soy and grains instead of animal by-products.  

Organic
This means the animals must be fed entirely certified organic feed, which means the pastures must be certified organic. If the cows are fed grain or hay, those must also be organic. For chickens that are given feed, the feed needs to be certified organic as well as any pastures where they hunt and peck.  None of the pastures or the feed can be sprayed with dangerous herbicides and pesticides. Organic beef cattle cannot receive antibiotics, growth-promoting hormones, or other drugs that cannot be used in organic farming. Chickens by law cannot be given hormones and chickens can not be given antibiotics.  

Pastured
Since this term is not really regulated, it is important to ask the farmer about their practices but this can mean that chickens are in a coop at night and are able to hunt and peck during the day. Some may also be given grains.   Unless it states that the chicken was organic pastured, this does not mean that the pasture wasn't sprayed with harmful chemicals.  

Grass Fed
If the label states grass fed but does not have a USDA organic certification label on it , this means the cow may have been given antibiotics and hormones, and could be fed grass and forage that was sprayed with synthetic pesticides.  If the label says grass fed, but not 100% grass fed, it can mean that the animal was fed a diet of mostly grass but then completely finished off with grain. This would basically negate the health benefits of the animal being grass fed.  

100% Grass Fed
This label meant that the meat must come from cows that have never been given grain but may have been given antibiotics and hormones and could have been fed grass and forage that was sprayed with synthetic pesticides.  

100% Grass Fed with USDA Organic Certification
This label means that the meat must come from animals that have never been given grain and have access to pasture during the grazing season. It means the animals have been given grass, hay and forage. The animals can be given antibiotics and hormones.

Confused yet? It can be confusing. However, to purchase the best quality beef, look for the words USDA Organic Certified Grass-Fed Beef. If you want the best quality chicken, find pasture raised organic chicken. If you have a local farm nearby, talk to the farmer and ask about their practices. You don't have to go completely vegan or vegetarian. Instead you can use a little less meat that is much better for you nutrition wise and add more vegetables to your plate. Better quality beef and chicken mean more nutrients. Who wants to eat sick animals anyway? If price is still a deterrent for you, consider joining a co-op or cow share locally to save money.  You can always start small and work your way to the better quality meat.  Organic is a big step up from conventional and it is a great place to start.  A little planning ahead can make a big difference in the quality of life for you and your family.  

Here are some helpful links to where to find local meats and poultry:
www.eatwild.com
www.localharvest.org