I love it when I come across information like this because it shows how misleading food labels can be.

Apparently, when you buy prepackaged beef that has labels like " all natural beef" or "no antibiotics ever", what it actually means is that  no hormones or antibiotics are used in the processing of the meat. WHAT??? In other words, no antibiotics or hormones are used when they cut up and and package the meat! Talk about false advertising!!!!

This beef label decoder analyzes certifications for beef in 5 categories:

• Feed allowed - Grass is the best feed for cattle! Most cattle spend time in a CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operation) where they are fattened up with corn and other grains. This causes all kinds of health problems and changes the nutrients in the meat.
• Access to Pasture - Even if cattle never leave their stalls, the label can still clain that it has access to pasture. You need to find out exactly what "access to pasture" means.
• Antibiotics - Cattle in CAFOs are fed a continuous diet of antibiotics which contributes to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
• Growth Hormones - Most catttle in the US receive growith hormones
• Animal Welfare - Some labels can be quite vague regarding animal welfare.

Certification labels analyzed are:

• USDA Certified Organic -This means 100% organic; antibiotics given only to sick animals; growth hormones prohibited
• USDA Certified Grassfed - If an animal consumes something other than grass it must be documented but it can still have this label; antibiotics are allowed; growth hormones allowed; access to pasture not defined
• American Grassfed Association - Grass only; animals spend majority of time on pasture; antibiotics only given to sick animals; no growth hormones allowed
• Certified Humane Raised and Handled - Grass, corn and grain are allowed; access to pasture not required; growth hormones prohibited; antibiotics given to sick animals only
• Food Alliance Certified - Grass, corn and grain allowed; access to pasture required; animals spend the majority of their lives on pasture; antibiotics given to sick animals only; growth hormones prohibited; animal welfare requirements very specific concerning health, shelter and handling
• Animal Welfare Approved - Grass, corn and grain allowed; access to pasture required; animals spend the majority of their lives on pasture; antibiotics given to sick animals only; no growth hormones allowed; animal welfare requirements very specific regarding health, shelter and handling of animals

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Kathy   |2011-01-22 05:16:59 Thankyou for posting such useful info. I really appreciate the education Reply | Quote 0   0

Teresa  - I'm confused     |2011-08-25 07:41:45 Thank you for the useful information but I am more confused now than ever before. I purchase "greenwise" meats, I pay more but I believe my families health is worth more than a few dollars. Now it may not be any healthier. What should I be looking for on the label? also, I was told I didn't need to worry about poultry or pork, is this true? Thank you, Teresa Reply | Quote 0   0

Jennifer  - Meat     |2011-09-05 12:43:01 Teresa, What you want to look for with beef is 100% grass fed. Buy from a local farmer if possible. As for poultry and pork, the same applies. Look for organic and local. Reply | Quote 0   0

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