USDA / FSIS Animal Production Claims
Commonly approved animal production claims include:
- RAISED WITHOUT ADDED HORMONES
- RAISED WITHOUT ANTIBIOTICS
- NOT FED ANIMAL BY-PRODUCTS
- FREE RANGE
- FREE ROAMING
- GRASS FED
- CORN FED
- GRAIN FED
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC (BY CERTIFYING ENTITY)
Hormones are only approved for use in beef cattle and lamb production. They are not approved for use in poultry, hogs, veal calves or exotic, non-amenable species. Therefore, the phrase "no hormones administered" on a chicken label cannot be approved unless it is followed (directly) with the statement "Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones in poultry."
The producer, farmer or feedlot operator must apply for the private label supplying documentation for all production claims. The label is approved for use only at the inspected facility applying for the new label approval. The label does not belong to the producer of the animals.
USDA / AMS Organic Claims
How Are Organic Products Overseen?
The National Organic Program regulates all organic crops, livestock, and agricultural products certified to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic standards. Organic certification agencies inspect and verify that organic farmers, ranchers, distributors, processors, and traders are complying with the USDA organic regulations. USDA conducts audits and ensures that the more than 90 organic certification agencies operating around the world are properly certifying organic products. In addition, USDA conducts investigations and conducts enforcement activities to ensure all products labeled as organic meet the USDA organic regulations.
In order to sell, label, or represent their products as organic, operations must follow all of the specifications set out by the USDA organic regulations.
Q & A With FSIS Regarding Organic Meat and Poultry Product Labeling