Page 55 - Ei 2018-2019 Catalog

Decoding Meat Labels
American Humane Certified
This is the nation’s first independent, third-party certification program to verify the humane treatment of farm animals. The certification confirms that animals are raised in an environment that limits stress, includes the provision of fresh water, a healthy diet, sufficient space, proper facilities, shelter and a resting area.
Cage Free
As you would expect, the hens are not raised in cages; however, this does not necessarily mean they have access to the outdoors. There is no standard definition of “cage-free,” but it implies that the birds are free to perform natural behaviors.
Free Range
This means that the animals are allowed access to the outdoors, rather than kept in confinement.
Pasture Raised
Products with an Animal Welfare Approved label must be raised on pasture or range. USDA has not developed an official definition or guidelines for pasture- raised products.
Grass Fed
The animals are fed a diet of natural grasses and forage plants.
No Added Hormones
The animals are never given hormones or growth pomotant treatments.
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Natural
The USDA defines a natural product as one that contains no artificial ingredients or added color and is only minimally processed. Processing must not fundamentally alter the product.
USDA Organic
Foods certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that have not been irradiated, genetically modified, or grown using synthetic fertilizers or chemicals. They have not been treated with hormones or antibiotics and have been fed only organically grown feed.
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