New “grass-fed” designation enacted, criticized

For those who choose their meat sources carefully, the federal government is enacting a new “grass-fed” certification program for meat growers. But some think it doesn’t go far enough.

“Until now, said Martin E. O’Connor, the department official who oversees regulation of livestock feed, use of the grass-fed label was unregulated. Early proposals during five years of discussion would have permitted it for animals that were fattened on grain in their final weeks.

But the trade association representing many raisers of grass-fed livestock, which has long sought regulation of labeling, criticized the standards, which were announced on Monday, because they do not restrict the use of antibiotics and hormones and do not require grass-fed animals to live on pastures year round. The group, the American Grassfed Association, said it would set up its own certification system.” Read more…

Tags: certification program, federal standards, grass-fed, Livestock