Certified Humane: Beef

Certified Humane Label

This label addresses animal welfare practices in both feedlot and nonfeedlot based systems.

Requires Verification/Inspection

FoodPrint Label Criteria

Animal Feed Quality

Produced without industrial pesticides
Synthetic fertilizers or sewage sludge prohibited
Finished on grass
Prohibits animal waste and byproduct
Restricts use of feed supplements
Prohibits GMOs

Drug Use

Antibiotics only for sick animals or prohibited
Prohibit hormones and other drugs to healthy animals

Environmental and Pasture Quality

Pasture management / rotational grazing plan required
Synthetic fertilizers or sewage sludge prohibited
Grown without industrial pesticides
Biodiversity required in pasture
Soil health monitored/measured for improvement over time

Animal Welfare and Living Conditions

Prohibits feedlots
Prohibits long term confinement
Prohibits electric prods*
Hygiene and manure management addressed**
Pain relief for castration
Prohibits dehorning*
Taildocking prohibited
Standards for animal wellbeing in transport including maximum duration times***
Welfare standards for slaughtering addressed****
Pasture required throughout grazing/growing season
*Discouraged but can be used as a last resort
**Some standards exist, but not as comprehensive as Animal Welfare Approved
***Some standards exist, but not as comprehensive as Animal Welfare Approved
****Is verified to meet industry baseline requirements

Worker Welfare

Standards and protections for workers on farm
Standards and protections for workers in processing plants
Fair/living wages ensured
Health care insurance ensured
Food Label Glossary

For explanations of some of these technical terms, like “rotational grazing” or “sewage sludge fertilizers,” please visit our glossary.

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