Factory Farms Not “Natural”

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently calling for public comment about its regulations for meat labeled as “natural” after Farm Sanctuary petitioned the organization to change its rules in 2007. Farm Sanctuary argues that most consumers think it is wrong and misleading to say meat is “natural” when the slaughtered animals are always confined indoors to live in metal cages with concrete floors. At present, the voluntary label “natural” can be used on a meat product if it has no artificial ingredients or added color, and it is minimally processed—there are no restrictions related to animal welfare. The USDA is accepting comments about this issue until November 13.