QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

 

ORGANIC

USDA Standards include being raised organically on organic land, fed certified organic feed (no animal by-products, or genetically engineered grains, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers), no antibiotics or added growth hormones, and the animals must have outdoor access.

 

FREE RANGE

Indicates that the animals, for at least part of the day, can roam freely outdoors.

 

CAGE FREE

Indicates that birds are raised without cages but does not specify any other living conditions.

 

PASTURE-RAISED OR PASTURED

Indicates that the animals were raised on pasture, feeding on grass or forage.

 

GRASS-FED

Grass and forage are the food source consumed for the lifetime of the ruminant animal with the exception of milk consumed prior to weaning. Animals cannot be fed grains or grain by-products and must have continuous access to pasture during the growing season.

 

HORMONE-FREE

(AKA "Raised without Added Hormones," "No Hormones Administered" or "No Synthetic Hormones")

Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones in pork and poultry. In beef, this indicates that no synthetic hormones were administered to the animals. 

 

RBGH-FREE or RBST-FREE

This label on milk products indicates that synthetic hormones were not given to the cattle.

 

RAISED WITHOUT ANTIBIOTICS / NO ANTIBIOTICS ADMINISTERED

Indicates that no antibiotics were administered to the animal over its lifetime.

 

WILD CAUGHT (SEAFOOD)

Fish that come from seas, rivers, or other natural bodies of water.

 

FARM-RAISED (SEAFOOD)

AKA Aquaculture - Involves raising fish commercially in tanks or enclosures.