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Let's start with the big one--organic. Certified by the United States Department of Agriculture, "organic" is a label with layers. This umbrella term certifies that any animals used for meat were not fed antibiotics, hormones, and that produce was grown without pesticides and in a manner consistent with sustainable soil practices. It's considered one of the most meaningful labels you can purchase. Hooray, organic!
However, it doesn't address issues of humane animal husbandry--meaning even "organic" eggs may come from chickens which never see the sun.
Image: USDA
Let's start with the big one--organic. Certified by the United States Department of Agriculture, "organic" is a label with layers. This umbrella term certifies that any animals used for meat were not fed antibiotics, hormones, and that produce was grown without pesticides and in a manner consistent with sustainable soil practices. It's considered one of the most meaningful labels you can purchase. Hooray, organic!
However, it doesn't address issues of humane animal husbandry--meaning even "organic" eggs may come from chickens which never see the sun.
Image: USDA
Conversely, "natural" is considered one of the least meaningful labels.
Completely unregulated, any claims of "natural" should be regarded with skepticism. Corn syrup, sodium, and even many preservatives are technically "natural"--but that doesn't make them healthy.
Image: The Daily Green
Boo, cage free! Boo, free range! These are both terms with no backing, no verification, and almost no meaning. Read more about egg labeling in this article that explains it better than I could.
Instead of these meaningless labels, look for...
Image: University of South Carolina
...this label! Unlike "cage free" or even "humanely-raised" (which sounds similar but is also meaningless, by the way), Certified Humane is a great label that's highly regarded and pretty widely respected.
Certified Humane eggs, dairy, and meat products come from animals with ample roaming space, who have generally lead pretty awesome lives and were slaughtered or gathered in humane ways.
Image: Certified Humane
Probably one of the most popular--and most potentially bogus--terms of the last few years, "grass-fed" beef is often subject to some elementary school logic. That is, if growers feed the cattle just a tiny bit of grass, they can call it "grass-fed." There's no additional ruling beyond that.
Look for that "certified humane" label, or "vegetarian-fed" (which is actually quite meaningful) instead.
Image: The Kitchn
If you see this label, you know you're in good hands. The FA label has 5 standard areas, including guidelines for conservation and animal welfare (which Consumer Reports calls "highly comprehensive"). This is a very socially-conscious, awesome label. Buy things with this label. Give this label a hug.
Image: Food Alliance
Your statement about grassfed labeling is incorrect. The USDA has voluntary standards that regulate using the grassfed label. In addition, the American Grassfed Association has a third-party certification program that evaluates farms on several criteria. To qualify for AGA certification, farms must feed their animals nothing but grass and forage from weaning to harvest, animals can’t be confined, antibiotics and hormones are not allowed, and animals must be treated humanely. Certified producers are audited once a year. You can find more information at the American Grassfed Association web site, http://www.americangrassfed.org.
You left an important one out. Look for the APA seal on the label of your Poultry. This has meaning and it certifies that a bird is heritage. Please visit the ALBC American livestock breeds Conservancy website and read their definition. I am glad to see someone else writing about the use of misleading labeling practices. Thanks and would love to discuss this more so feel free to contact us at Good Shepherd Poultry. By the way go and visit our website Goodshepherdpoultryranch.com and there you will find out more about us.