Certified Naturally Grown: Chicken
Certified Naturally Grown Is a Top Pick
This label was started by farmers who did not want to go through USDA organic certification requirements. The label generally follows the USDA organic standards but the verification is done by CNG farmers instead of independent certifiers.
Requires Verification/InspectionFoodPrint Label Criteria
Animal Feed Quality
Produced without industrial pesticides Synthetic fertilizers or sewage sludge prohibited Prohibit animal waste and byproduct
Restricted use of feed supplements* GMOs prohibited*For feed supplements, GMOs prohibited
Drug Use
Antibiotics only administered to sick animals or prohibited Prohibit hormones and other routine drugs to healthy animalsEnvironmental 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 (soil biome, carbon sequestration, etc)*Biodiversity required if pasture is provided
Animal Welfare and Living Conditions
Breed health requirements Minimum indoor space requirements Natural light required Standards for indoor ammonia levels
Outdoor access required* Pasture access required Hygiene and manure management addressed Physical alterations prohibited (debeaking, etc) Standards for animal wellbeing in transport including maximum duration times Welfare standards for slaughtering addressed Requires perches Dust bathing opportunities**Encouraged but not required
Worker Welfare
Standards and protections for workers on farm Standards and protections for workers in processing plants Fair/living wages ensured Health care insurance ensuredFood Label Glossary
For explanations of some of these technical terms, like “rotational grazing” or “sewage sludge fertilizers,” please visit our glossary.