News
The Saveur 100 : Our Favorite Foods, Restaurants, Recipes, People, Places and Things
Food labels assure us that our chickens are free-range and our leafy greens are certified organic - but no official standards exist for labels touting the humane rearing of animals destined for the table. At least, none did until 2003.
Food labels assure us that our chickens are free-range and our leafy greens are certified organic - but no official standards exist for labels touting the humane rearing of animals destined for the table. At least, none did until 2003, when Humane Farm Animal Care, a nonprofit consortium of veterinarians, scientists and animal welfare groups, began offering strict, objective, third-party inspections to dairy, poultry, lamb and beef producers. Once inspectors have determined that animals are being raised free of hormones and antibiotics in a safe, healthful environment, producers may label their products "Certified Humane." Twenty products have been certified, among them, Murray's chicken and Pete & Gerry's eggs.
