To substantiate “no antibiotics” claims, the USDA also plans to explore new testing that can find traces of antibiotics in animals once they arrive at processing plants.Įskin said the agency may also update definitions of certain claims, a change some producers have been pressing for. It will also strongly encourage companies to hire third-party verification groups, such as Human Farm Animal Care, a non-profit organization in Virginia that certifies animal welfare claims. “There are plenty of companies out there that are following the law and many that are not, and that’s just not fair,” Eskin said.Įskin said the USDA plans to update its guidelines to require more documentation from companies making animal welfare claims. The USDA doesn’t have the regulatory authority to check animal welfare claims on farms, said Sandra Eskin, the USDA’s deputy undersecretary for food safety. But unlike “organic” claims, which are verified in person by government regulators, animal welfare claims are substantiated with paperwork submitted to the USDA.

The USDA must approve all animal welfare claims on meat and poultry labels before products can be sold.

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