Helpful Tips for Your Next Grocery Shopping Trip

Have you ever been to the store and seen the label ‘hormone free,’ or ‘no added hormones?’ What about ‘antibiotic free?’

Well, that probably wasn’t the last time you’ll see a label like that. Misleading labeling is a trend that is here to stay to make you believe one product is healthier over another.

But guess what?

Ya know how I said these labels were misleading? Here’s why.

1. There are NO added hormones in the pork or poultry products.

The reality is hormones are NOT allowed in raising pigs or poultry. Its federal regulation.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the only way the phrase “without hormones” can be used on any pork or chicken product label is if it is accompanied by the disclaimer “Federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones.”

In order to mislead consumers, the phrase “without hormones” is at the forefront of the label, while the disclaimer is in tiny print, often unseen with a quick glance. And let’s be honest, what consumer takes the time to look at the tiny print on a label while shopping? Therefore, “no hormones added” on labels is nothing more than a feel-good marketing ploy. One that hundreds of companies have mastered, capitalizing on fear of unknowing consumers. They instill fear in you causing you to think that products without the phrase “no added hormones” must have hormones. And, now know that is simply not true. Period.

2. ALL milk, meat and poultry are free of antibiotic residues.

Producers care about raising healthy animals and being antibiotics responsible. When an animal is sick, antibiotics are administered to treat and prevent sickness. Federal rules require that treated animals are held from the market until they test trace free, known as a withdrawal period. ALL milk, meat and poultry are tested for antibiotics and is disposed of if it tests positive. Thus, there are NO antibiotic residues in the milk, meat and poultry you purchase.

It’s misleading to use the phrase ‘antibiotic free’ as it’s against the law to sell any milk or meat with unsafe levels of antibiotics, as it all must be discarded if it is positive.

So, don’t be misled or informed.

Don’t let these phrases confuse you. Buy with confidence and not out of fear. Know that when you purchase meat, it has been raised with no (added) hormones by producers who are following the best practices to ensure you have a wholesome, safe and reliable product to feed to your family.