Meat and Poultry Distributors and Wholesalers Key Terms

Learn the definitions of terms used by meat and poultry distributors and wholesalers

Consumers who are concerned about their health can use the following important terms to examine labels used by meat and poultry distributors and wholesalers. The USDA examination for wholesomeness is required, but other grading and labeling is voluntary; meat and poultry producers choose to have these labels added to their products to attract consumers. Labels may list how the animal was raised or the quality of the meat product.

 

Free range or free roaming

Free-range or Free-roaming animals have been allowed to spend time outdoors each day. Because of the way the law is worded, though, it does not mean the animals actually went outside. If the farmer leaves a door open for a certain amount of time every day, the poultry can be labeled "Free Range."
Try: Poultry Pages explains the size of free-range poultry flocks and offers other links to free-range poultry requirements.

Pastured or Pasture-raised

Pastured or Pasture-raised refers to animals raised outside in a pasture. Their diets included grasses and other field plants rather than feed or stored grains. Many people prefer meat raised in this manner because they consider it more humane.
Try: Grow Alabama discusses why pasture-raised meats are better for you.

Additives

Additives are any substances that do not appear naturally in the meat or poultry product, but are added during processing. These ingredients may be used to make the meat more attractive or flavorful. Other additives keep meats fresh longer or make them safer or easier for consumers to use.
Try: The USDA provides a history of additives, their uses, and the laws and labeling requirements for them.

Organic/certified organic

The certified organic label can only appear on products that meet USDA organic standards and have been approved by a food-certifying agency. To receive the label, farms must not use chemicals, synthetic fertilizers, or sewage to grow products, nor may certified organic meat and poultry be fed any products grown this way. The animals may not be given hormones or antibiotics. They must also have access to pasture, although they may not necessarily graze there.
Try: The Organic Trade Association explains the term "organic," cites the benefits of organic products, and defines the meaning behind the certified organic label.

Meat quality grades

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspects meat and poultry for wholesomeness, but producers can request an inspection for quality. This program is voluntary, but ensures that consumers are aware of the grade the meat received. The grades indicate tenderness, juiciness, and flavor as well as the amount of usable lean meat, percentage of fat, and the color and maturity of the meat.
Try: Purdue University lists and defines the grades used for meat and poultry.

Codex Alimentarius Committee

Codex Alimentarius is Latin for food law or food code. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) started the Codex Alimentarius Committee to promote and protect world health and work for fair food trade internationally. The group works with government organizations worldwide to develop food standards and codes.
Try: Codex Alimentarius evaluates its programs and offers goals for the future.

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