What is The Best Meat and Poultry to Buy

Basically, meat and poultry can be divided into 3 categories:

1. "Organic" (The Best)


2. "Naturally Grown" or "Without Antibiotics" (2nd Best Choice)


3. Everything Else

Let's start with the 3rd category: "Everything Else." In this category, you basically have no idea what you or your family is eating. You could be eating antibiotics, hormones, pesticides from feed, other drugs, etc., etc. I DO NOT recommend this category at all.

When shopping for meat and poultry, you may notice a label that says "Natural", "Naturally Grown", or WithoutAntibiotics." "Natural" meat and poultry may abide by organic farming practices, but they may not. The FDA does not restrict the use of the term "natural" except for added color, synthetic substances, and flavors. So, once again, although this category is much better than "Everything Else", I still can't recommend it as you or your family could be ingesting undesirable substances.

"Organic" is The Best for some very obvious reasons. Farmers do not sneak any type of drug or hormones into the animals. In fact, organic farming is very closely regulated by the federal government. Organic farmers are required to abide by the strict standards of the USDA National Organic Program:

• Organic farmers do not use antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones.


• Organic meat comes from animals that are given 100% organic, pesticide-free feed.


• Organic animals are given access to the outdoors and/or pastures.


• Organic farmers do not use most conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation.


• Organic farms emphasize use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water.


• Organic farms are inspected by a government approved certifier to make sure the farm is following all USDA organic standards.

Whenever possible, buy your meat and poultry from organic or health food stores. Some national chains with very clear organic labeling are Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. Expect to pay more for this type of quality.

Learn to read labels. Look for "organic" stickers and labels. Pay special attention to what is fed the animal. Packages may say "wheat or corn fed beef." It is always best to get"grass fed" meats.

All poultry is hormone-free, but look for "organic", "cage-free", or "free-range." The same holds true for eggs. Look for "organic" milk.

I highly recommend renting the movie "Food, Inc." for a further discussion on these issues. It is very educational and eye-opening and is nominated for a "Best Documentary" Oscar this year.