Know Your Terms

Submitted by healingdesertwillow on March 11, 2009 - 10:54am.
0
Organic
If a product bears a "USDA organic" label, you are guaranteed that’s it’s at least 95% free of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and sewage sludge and that it hasn’t been genetically modified or irradiated. No hormones or antibiotics are allowed; animals must be fed organically-grown feed and have access to the outdoors.


Sustainable
Sustainable agriculture refers to crops that are raised in ways that don’t harm the environment, are humane to animals, and that supports farm workers and farming communities.

Natural
Natural refers to meat and poultry that contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

Locally Grown
Locally grown refers to crops produced no more than 250 miles from where they are purchased.

Antibiotic-Free
The term "antibiotic-free" is unregulated but producers can label foods "no antibiotics administered" or "raised without antibiotics," which means animals were raised entirely without them.

Free Range
Chickens (and turkeys, as well as other poultry) that aren’t confined to cages and are granted access to the outdoors are called "free range.".

Grass-Fed
Animals raised primarily on grass and hay are referred to as "grass-fed."

( categories: )