Interpreting Pork Labels

No Hormones: Federal law prohibits the use of hormones in the raising of pigs (as with poultry). If this is on a pork label, it must be followed by the statement: “Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones in pork production.”No

Organic Certified: The pigs eat only organic feed, have access to the outdoors, and are raised without antibiotics or growth promtors. Every step in the organic food chain must be certified organic — feed, handlers, and processing plants.

Natural/All Natural: The product contains no artificial ingredients and is minimally processed. Otherwise, there are no stipulations about how the pigs are raised.

Certified Humane/Animal Welfare Approved: Indicates the pigs were raised according to specific Humane Farm Animal Care Standards. These standards apply to the rearing, handling, transport, and slaughter of pigs and are subject to third party inspection.