USDA announced today It said it would take new steps “to ensure the integrity of animal husbandry labels and to level the playing field for producers who use these labels in good faith.”
Animal farming claims include “grass-fed,” “free-range,” and other voluntary marketing claims that highlight how animals are sourced for meat and poultry products.
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has received multiple requests in 2019 to update its guidelines on these claims and reassess how to substantiate the claims. In particular, petitioners question the veracity of “negative” antibiotic claims such as “raised without antibiotics.” FSIS is considering either requesting laboratory test results or initiating a new verification sampling program.
FSIS will also encourage companies to obtain third-party certification to validate their claims.
“Together, these actions will be used to guide potential rulemaking regarding animal husbandry claims. We look forward to your continued involvement,” the agency said in a statement.
