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Certifications to Look for When Buying Ethical Meat Products

Author

Marketing

Published on:

January 31, 2025

Published in:

Industry Trends & Insights, Sustainability

Consumers today are increasingly aware of where their food comes from and the impact it has on the environment and animal welfare. If you’re looking to make more ethical choices when purchasing meat, understanding the right certifications can help ensure your food aligns with your values. In this blog, we’ll explore the most reputable ethical meat certifications and what they mean for consumers.

Why Ethical Meat Certifications Matter

Ethical meat certifications provide assurance that the meat you purchase meets high standards for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and ethical farming practices. These certifications are granted by independent organizations that enforce strict criteria to promote better farming methods and responsible sourcing.

Top Ethical Meat Certifications to Look For

Trusted certifications ensuring ethical sourcing, animal welfare, and quality standards in food production.

Certified Humane

The Certified Humane label signifies that animals were raised with care, ensuring they have access to ample space, nutritious diets, and humane treatment throughout their lives. This certification guarantees:

  • No antibiotics or growth hormones.
  • Space to roam and express natural behaviors.
  • Nutritious, high-quality feed.
  • Independent third-party audits.

Animal Welfare Approved (AWA)

One of the most rigorous certifications, AWA focuses on farms that raise animals in pasture-based environments. This certification guarantees:

  • Continuous outdoor access.
  • Prohibition of confinement systems.
  • Promotion of biodiversity and sustainability.
  • Yearly audits to maintain compliance.

USDA Organic

A well-known certification, USDA Organic applies to meat products that meet organic farming standards. For meat to be labeled organic, animals must be raised with:

  • 100% organic feed and forage.
  • No antibiotics or added hormones.
  • Access to outdoor environments.
  • Compliance with USDA organic standards.

Global Animal Partnership (GAP)

GAP offers a step-rated certification system that measures the level of welfare and farming conditions. The GAP certification provides:

  • A tiered system (Step 1 to Step 5+) with increasing welfare standards.
  • Specific guidelines for space, feed, and humane handling.
  • Continuous improvement and transparency in farming methods.

American Grassfed Association (AGA)

For consumers seeking truly grass-fed and pasture-raised meat, the AGA certification ensures that animals are fed a forage-based diet without confinement. This certification ensures:

  • 100% grass-fed diet.
  • No antibiotics or growth hormones.
  • Raised on open pastures.
  • Sustainable, family farm-based practices.

Non-GMO Project Verified

If you’re concerned about genetically modified feed, the Non-GMO Project Verified label ensures animals were raised on a non-GMO diet. This certification guarantees:

  • Verification of non-GMO feed sources.
  • No genetically modified ingredients in production.
  • Transparent supply chain verification.

How Farmers Get Certified

Farmers seeking ethical meat certifications must undergo a rigorous evaluation process to ensure they meet strict standards for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and responsible farming practices. The process begins with an application to the certifying organization, followed by an in-depth review of farming methods.

Independent auditors conduct on-site inspections to assess handling practices. Farmers must also provide detailed records proving compliance with these standards. 

Many certifications require annual audits to ensure ongoing commitment to ethical and sustainable farming. This process helps guarantee that certified meat products meet high ethical standards, giving consumers confidence in their choices.

Making Ethical Choices

Choosing ethically certified meat supports responsible farming practices that benefit animals, the environment, and local communities. By prioritizing these certifications, you can make informed purchasing decisions that align with your values.

At True Grade, we partner with trusted suppliers who share our commitment to ethical sourcing, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards of animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and community support.

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