The centerpiece of many Thanksgiving traditions in the
“Natural”
standards under USDA guidelines are not defined. According to the USDA,
“natural” simply means “minimally processed.” Therefore, each manufacturer can
define their “natural” process.
“Naturally Raised,” ensures animals were not given
antibiotics or hormones- this label does not mean the animals have freedom,
fresh air or sunlight. The term “Natural” has no relevance to animal welfare
and merely indicates that the product doesn’t have artificial additives.
Most
reputable organic companies that offer “natural” products don’t use artificial
ingredients, chemical nitrates, growth hormones or antibiotics. For example, Bell
- All
vegetarian diet
- Raised
without antibiotics
- No animal
by-products
- No
growth hormones
- No
hexane gas
- No preservatives
- No
artificial flavorings
- No
fillers or extenders
- No
hydrogenated oils
- No DDGS (distiller’s dry
grains)
- No hexane separated soy bean meal
“Organic”
standards for an organic label are clearly defined for all producers. The
production process must be certified from start to finish through a yearly
audit. This ensures that all of the criteria of the USDA Organic Standards are
met.
USDA
Organic is strictly managed through third party certification. Feed production,
animal husbandry and processing materials and methods are strictly regulated.
- All
vegetarian diet
- Raised
without antibiotics
- No animal
by-products
- No
growth hormones
- No
hexane gas
- No preservatives
- No
artificial flavorings
- No
fillers or extenders
- No
hydrogenated oils
- No DDGS (distiller’s dry
grains)
- No hexane separated soy bean meal
- Animals
humanely treated
- Animals
finished on farms
- Animals
have fresh air and sunlight
- No
breeding hormones
- Certified
organic feed (no pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers)
- Non
GMO feed
