Grocers promote American Homestead Pork in a move towards ‘non-GMO and antibiotic-free’ meat.
California-based grocery chain, Raley’s, recently announced its move toward ‘non-GMO’ and ‘antibiotic-free’ meat through the introduction of American Homestead Pork products to its stores.
30 October 2017
2 minute read
By: The question springs to mind: isn’t all American meat antibiotic-free? It is true that U.S. protocol dictates that meat cannot exceed specified levels of antibiotic residues when sold for human consumption, but the term has come to mean more than this. Some pork products now being branded as 'antibiotic-free' also include meat from animals that have never been treated with antibiotics in their lifetime; this includes antibiotics used to treat disease and growth promoters.
American Homestead Pork highlights that it is USDA Label Approved with:
-No antibiotics from birth.
-No growth promoters or added hormones.
-100% vegetarian feed.
-Not restricted in farrowing or gestation crates.
-No preservatives.
-Sustainably raised on Midwestern family farms in a low stress environment.
-Strong emphasis on animal welfare.
It is clear that there is an emphasis on pig welfare and sustainable management within pork production in this promotion, as well as highlighting unique products and taste. With more small-chain, and some larger-chain companies investing in ‘non-GMO and antibiotic-free’ farming, we may hopefully see a greater compliance in the movement towards combatting antibiotic-resistance.
For more information on Raley’s and American Homestead Pork, click here
Emily Houghton
Emily Houghton is a Zoology graduate from Cardiff University and was the editor of The Pig Site from October 2017 to May 2020. Emily has worked in livestock husbandry, and has written, conducted and assisted with research projects regarding the synthesis of welfare and productivity of free-range food species.
