"Grass-fed." "Naturally-raised." "Certified organic." No wonder consumers are confused.

Of course, labels that trace food to certified production standards are a good thing, but identifying credible claims takes some leg work. So, take note.

Last week the American Grassfed Association (AGA) announced an industry-backed standard for grass-fed cattle and sheep under a new label administered by the Food Alliance. The Food Alliance has certified farms, ranches, and food processors under its own sustainable agriculture standards for more than 10 years.

But USDA established a grass-fed standard last October. Why then is AGA adding another label to the mix?

According to AGA, USDA's grass-fed standard simply doesn't go far enough. The agency's standard requires animals be fed a forage diet only, but it doesn't ban animals raised in confined operations. (That is, AGA asserts that "access" to pasture can easily be manipulated.) And it doesn't reject animals given antibiotics and hormones.

In comparison, AGA's standard not only requires a 100 percent forage diet, it bans animals raised in confined conditions and those given antibiotics and hormones. AGA represents 300 grass-fed livestock producers and stands by its claim that meat derived from grass-fed animals is healthier for humans than grain-fed animals – and a healthier and more natural diet for livestock.

And then there's "naturally-raised," which Envirovore reported on last month. USDA recently proposed a naturally-raised label that, unlike its grass-fed label, rejects meat from animals administered antibiotics and hormones. It doesn't, however, address confinement.

You can provide comments through Monday by visiting www.regulations.gov and searching "naturally raised" (look for the yellow talking bubble).

To become more familiar with the plethora of eco-labels out there, visit Greener Choices.

Comments (6)

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thanks
written by Lorian Dean, March 02, 2008

Thanks for writing this article!

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written by Terra Verde, March 04, 2008

Thank you for this article. The USDA is despicable. It's sad that they are responsible for the standard Organic Certification label in the US [outside of places that have viable alternatives like CA, of course]. They don't care about the principles of organic agriculture, humane treatment of animals, human and animal health and wellbeing, sustainable agricultural practices, any of it. They just care about profit and nothing else, and something like that should not be in charge of a system that requires you to actually care in order to properly manage it.

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