If you have ever gone to the supermarket and purchased a package of meat, you know that all meat is required to be labeled with what kind of meat it is. Organic, free range, hormone free - but what does it all mean? When it comes to making the healthier choices for the family, most people opt to pick meats that are “natural”. However, marketing claims on meat and poultry labels are often very confusing and misleading due to the fact that the label might not mean what you think that it does. 

The biggest myth in the meat industry is whether or not these labels actually mean anything, and if they do, what are the differences between them? We’re here to tell you the truth about antibiotics and hormones in meats, “natural” and more.

Myth 1: Buying organic chicken can stop you from being exposed to unnecessary hormones. 

This is not true. There is no need to worry about hormones in your chicken. Since 1959, hormone use in the poultry and pork industry has been banned. However, buying chicken or pork that is labeled USDA-Certified Organic does not ensure that the animal has not been given antibiotics. Another note, hormones are still given to cows.  

Myth 2: Meat labeled as “Certified Humane” and USDA-Certified Organic are the same thing.

This is also not true. The labels that state “certified humane” does not mean that the meat in question is meeting all organic standards. However, it does guarantee that the animals are treated much more humanely then animals at different farms. Certified humane also means that the animals are prohibited to receive antibiotics and growth hormones when they are raised. 

Myth 3: Buying USDA-Certified Organic meat is good for the environment.

This is true. Under the organic label, the use of antibiotics and growth hormones are banned. These chemicals that are used on the animals often seep into groundwater and usually end up in public water supplies, which can be harmful to the environment. Also, all animals that are raised under the organic label are fed with vegetarian feed and have certified organic pasture which is not treated with pesticides or herbicides. 

Myth 4: Meats that are grass fed are healthier for you than other meats. 

This is also true. Research shows that animals that were fed organic food, ie their own mother’s milk, fresh grass and hay for their entire lives, are much more rich in omega-3 fats and CLA’s than those that were only fed grains. 

Myth 5: Buying “Natural” means you reduce your risks to hormones and antibiotics.

This is a myth. “Natural” means that no preservatives or additives were given to the meat or poultry after it was processed. This term is usually confused with “naturally raised”, which means that as the animals were being raised, they were not given any growth hormones or animal byproducts.