WASHINGTON — The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Aug. 28 that it updated guidelines on how it supports documentation for animal-raising or environment-related claims on labels for meat and poultry products.

The agency explained that animal-raising claims like “Raised Without Antibiotics,” “Grass-Fed” and “Free-Range,” and environment-related claims, such as “Raised using Regenerative Agriculture Practices” and “Climate-Friendly,” are voluntary marketing claims that highlight certain aspects of how the source animals for meat and poultry products are raised. The claims might also highlight how to improve the land or otherwise implement environmentally sustainable practices. 

“USDA continues to deliver on its commitment to fairness and choice for both farmers and consumers, and that means supporting transparency and high-quality standards,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “These updates will help to level the playing field for businesses who are truthfully using these claims and ensure people can trust the labels when they purchase meat and poultry products.”

Documentation for any of these claims is reviewed by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The agency explained that the claims can only be made on labels for products sold to consumers after FSIS approval. 

FSIS last updated its guidelines on these claims in 2019.

In this latest guidance, FSIS stated that it strongly encourages the use of third-party certification to confirm animal-raising or environment-related claims.  

“Third-party certification of animal-raising or environment-related claims helps ensure that such claims are truthful and not misleading by having an independent organization verify that their standards are being met on the farm for the raising of animals and for environmental stewardship,” the agency added.

Establishments that use claims like “Raised Without Antibiotics” or “No Antibiotics Ever” were recommended to implement routine sampling and testing programs to detect antibiotic use in animals before slaughter or obtain third-party certification that includes testing.

Revisions for the guidelines came from sampling data, petitions, public comments to those petitions and feedback received from a wide range of stakeholders, according to the USDA.

Following the announcement from the USDA and FSIS, the Meat Institute responded to the recent guideline update.

“Meat Institute members support truthful labeling that is not misleading so consumers may make informed choices in the marketplace,” said Sarah Little, spokesperson for the Meat Institute. “Third party verification is a common practice in the meat and poultry industry and one of many tools that can be utilized to support label claims. The Meat Institute will review the updated guidance and support members in building robust programs to maintain consumer trust.”

The National Pork Producers Council also provides early insights into the new guidelines. 

“The pork industry remains committed to the judicious use of antimicrobials and supports transparency in labeling," NPPC said ints statement to MEAT+POULTRY. "NPPC is reviewing the guidance and continues to work closely with stakeholders to uphold standards that provide clear, accurate information to consumers.”

FSIS stated in 2023 that it would work with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to assess the legitimacy of these antibiotic claims.

FSIS noted that it collected liver and kidney samples from 196 eligible cattle at 84 slaughter establishments in 34 states. 

ARS then analyzed the sample using a method that targeted more than 180 veterinary drugs, including various major classes of antibiotics. The study found antibiotic residues in approximately 20% of the samples tested in the “Raised Without Antibiotics” market.

“The action FSIS is taking through the publishing of this guidance today addresses these concerning findings and makes clear that FSIS will take enforcement action against any establishments found to be making false or misleading negative antibiotic claims,” the agency said. “Additionally, FSIS has informed the establishments with positive results from the ARS-FSIS study and advised them to conduct a root cause analysis and implement corrective actions. FSIS has also advised these establishments to determine how antibiotics were introduced into the animal and to take appropriate measures to ensure that future products are not misbranded.”

More information about the FSIS and ARS study will be published in a peer-reviewed paper with complete results from the study in the near future. 

“The study findings underscore the need for more rigorous substantiation of such claims,” the agency said. “These sampling results may lead to additional testing by the agency. FSIS has the authority to collect samples any time it believes a product is mislabeled with any claim covered by the guidance. Moreover, FSIS may consider future additional actions, including random sampling and rulemaking, to further strengthen the substantiation of animal-raising and environment-related claims.”