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Green Choices: Meat & Poultry Buyer's Guide

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Grass Fed label: What does that mean?

When it comes to buying meat and poultry, the greener choices are not always obvious.

By Kimberly Lord Stewart, EatingWell March/April 2008

Meat and poultry labels are confusing these days. What does “Natural” on that package of chicken breast mean? Why does “Certified Organic” cost so much? What’s a meat-eater to do? Our green guide to meat and poultry will help you make choices that are best for you.

Grass-Fed and -Finished (beef, lamb, bison)

Grass-fed animals eat nothing but their mother’s milk, fresh grass and cut hay for their entire lives—versus animals raised conventionally, which graze until they reach a certain weight, then are sent to feedlots, where they are “finished” on grain diets until they reach market size.

• Health benefits: Some research suggests that grass-fed meats are richer in omega-3 fats and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than those raised on grains.
• Eco-benefits: Grass-fed-meat farms voluntarily certified by the American Grassfed Association (AGA, americangrassfed.org) do not use antibiotics (which can end up in water systems) or grains (which require land to grow them and fuel to transport).
• Is it regulated? A definition of “grass-fed” proposed by the USDA is still in a comment period. Many, including the AGA, consider the USDA’s proposed definition too lax as it allows for hormone and antibiotic use and some grain feeding.
• Keep in mind: “Partially grass-fed” means cattle are grain-finished. Not all grass-fed beef is organic.

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More beef and poultry labels

• Certified Organic
• Certified Humane
• Natural

Learn more

• Greener Pastures: When it comes to beef, is grass-fed better?
• Avoid overcooking your meat by following our preparation tips.
• Can’t find grass-fed beef? Check out our source list.

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