What the labels on your food really mean

As many of you know, I had the {true} honor of attending my very first ShiftCon event last month.  ShiftCon is an eco-wellness influencer conference that focuses on food, wellness, health, sustainability, and platform growth.  It’s no secret that I probably only really live up to a few of those elements.  Even as a “Chiro-wife” that for the most part subscribes to a more natural and holistic lifestyle than most, I don’t really describe myself as “crunchy.” Really, I’m more like soggy granola when it comes down to it.  And perhaps I could say I’m light green when it comes to my overall value system and practices.

With that said, spending time with the ShiftCon community was really inspiring and refreshing.  Refreshing because there was an overall acceptance of where I stand on certain issues (i.e. I do what I can and try my best for my family).  Inspiring in the sense that I walked away with some very simple and practical {little} steps even I can do towards making healthier decisions for my body, my family, and the earth.

You will find me delve much deeper into some of the things I learned and products I discovered over the next few weeks/months, but if there’s one major tip I can leave you guys with today, its a simple 3 words:

READ THE LABELS. 

Ok, and 3 more…

UNDERSTAND THE LABELS.

So, without further ado, here are some common terms you’ll find particularly  on labels of meat products you should understand:

Source: American Grassfed Association

Grain-fed vs Grassfed

As the name suggests, this label means that an animal was fed grain at some point in life, likely in the last few months of life.  This label exists because if an animal has EVER been fed corn, soy, brewers grain, or other grain-based feed, the meat cannot technically be labeled as grassfed.

With that said, the label “grassfed” alone is entire subject to the honor system, as there are no audits or inspections that determine this to be true, other than a signed affidavit by the producer.  The affidavit attests that the animals were fed a 100% forage diet.  Important: This label does not speak to whether or not the animal has been given any antibiotics, or has lived in confinement.

AGA Certified Grassfed

The American Grassfed Association is the only third-party that audits these claims and insures that the animal is 100% grassfed, has not been confined, not given antibiotics or hormones, and that they are raised in this country.

Natural

This is a USDA regulated term that applies to a finished meat product. It means that no artificial ingredients or color has been added and it has only been minimally processed.  The term has nothing to do with HOW the animal was raised or fed.

Naturally Raised

This is also a USDA regulated term and more specifically means that the animal has never been feed animal by-products, growth hormones, or antibiotics.

Organic

Other than the AGA certified grassfed label, this is the only other label that indicates that an audit has been made. In order to be classified as organic, livestock must have been raised and fed:

• without antibiotics or synthetic hormones
• pesticide and herbicide free
• vegetarian
• non-GMO

What the organic label does not speak to is whether or not the animal has lived in confinement.  Also, there are some producers who have followed these organic standards, but for whatever reason did not pursue organic certification.  The best thing to do if you’re unsure is to research more about a particular brand.

Label terms with no legal definition

Grass Finished

If an animal is grassfed, by definition, it’s grass-finished.

Pasture Raised

This is generally a term used on pork and poultry products, which are never 100% grassfed.  Its a general term for an animal that isn’t confined.