Labels have many uses, such as providing information on a product, clothing manufacture, use, or shelf-life. However, sometimes these labels can be a bit confusing (such as wash care symbols on clothing). Meat and poultry terms can cause some confusion as well.
Check out this guide to help make sense of meat labels.
Antibiotic-free
This means animals were never given antibiotics to prevent infection. You should be aware that antibiotics are not necessarily harmful, but they are a public health concern because overuse antibiotics of may lead to antibiotics-resistant bacteria.
Free-range
Free-range means that the animal had some access to the outdoors for most of its life. This means that the animal had the option of going outside. There is no assurance that the animal actually did.
Grass-fed
This means the animal ate grass for some or all of its life. Grass-fed meat is said to be more notorious as it has more omega-3 fats and higher amounts of vitamins A and E.
Hormone-free
Hormone-free is when animals did not receive any hormones to speed the growth.
Natural
The meat or poultry labeled as “Natural” means it contains not artificial ingredients. “Natural’ tem is often very vague, so make sure you read the fine print of the ingredients.
Organic
Organic meat or poultry means that no hormones, antibiotics, or animal by-products are given. The animal also has access to fresh air and pastures. The government strictly regulates organic, so you are more likely to get what it above.