The USDA has released for public comment a proposed voluntary standard for meat products marketed as “naturally raised.”
Under the proposed standard, the “naturally raised” label would apply only to livestock not given antibiotics and growth hormones. However, it fails to address other production practices commonly associated with the idea of “naturally raised,” such as ensuring that the animals are raised on pasture.
The standard as proposed will enable large-scale feedlots to qualify for a USDA label claiming that their product is “naturally raised.”