Is Your Meat American Humane Certified?

One of my New Year's resolutions was to buy better meat. So instead of grabbing the cheapest package of meat in the case, I've been looking more closely at the labels.

Meat labels are notoriously difficult to decipher. I wrote a post many years ago about demystifying the meat counter and it's surprising that not a whole lot has changed in the 5 years since I wrote that post.The term "all natural" is still widely used even though it has very little true meaning. Organic meat is more common but is still at a price point that is prohibitive to many.

One label that I've seen cropping up more frequently is American Humane Certified. The American Humane Certified seal ensures that animals live under humane conditions that allow for natural behaviors and provide adequate living space. All products labeled American Humane Certified are:

• Third party certified
• Cage-free
• Vegetable and grain fed (no animal by-products)
• Given no hormones or steroids
• Fed no antibiotics
• With ready access to fresh water
• Free of discomfort and pain

We tend to eat a lot of chicken in our household and I was happy to learn that Minnesota based Just Bare Chicken was recently approved as American Humane Certified. You can find the seal on their packaged chicken at the grocery store.

I did a quick price comparison and found that Just Bare boneless, skinless chicken breasts were only a 5% price premium over another national brand that is not certified humane. Totally worth it to me. 

The American Humane Certified seal can also be found on beef and pork as well as eggs and dairy products. You can find a list of producers who are American Humane Certified here.

Do you look for meat, eggs and dairy that are certified humane?

 

 

(Full disclosure: I was sent samples of Just Bare Chicken in exchange for my honest opinion.)

Comments

[Lori Popkewitz Alper]

I've never noticed the "American Humane Certified" label. I'll have to pay closer attention next time I'm at the market. Does Just Bare Chicken distribute to any other states?

[Micaela]

Yes Lori - Bare Chicken is distributed nationally through SuperTarget and other grocery outlets! I love that they carry whole chickens as well as specific parts.

[Trixie]

I do always look for certified humane products. I've read there is some confusion about exactly what standards different companies using a "certified humane" label actually means. I'm glad to know I should be looking for "American Humane Certified". We don't have Super Target but I will be looking at my local stores for that label.

[Micaela]

Hi Trixie - there are a couple of organizations with a certified humane label - American Humane Certified and Certified Humane Raised & Handled. From what I can tell they are pretty similar. If you don't see one of those two certifications, you should ask more questions before you buy.

[Julius Juliusson]

Hi hi.

My name is Julius Juliusson and I am from Iceland. 3 months ago a start a food and life blog and i am taking my first steps in this world.I have put my Cookbook The Chef And The Enthusiast on the site, and Affilates get 75% ( Click Bank) I am asking a few bloggers to help me to spred the word about my book. I will be very thankful if you want tell your guests on your site from her, and your postlists friends to.

Thank you and best regards from Julius in north Iceland.

[Bret @ Green Global Travel]

This is awesome, especially the link to the list of American Humane Certified companies. We've done a few posts about picking the right organic fruits/veggies and how to understand some of the different labeling terminology, but I've never read anything about how to pick the most humane meats. Will definitely be bookmarking the link!