While most consumers would like to be able to buy meat or poultry raised without antibiotics — and would even pay a little more for it, according to a new Consumer Reports survey — the problem is determining whether that "antibiotic-free" label really means what it says. When Consumer Reports sent out "secret shoppers" this past spring to 136 groceries in 23 states, they found more than 1,000 raw meat and poultry products either labeled organic or with claims about antibiotic use.
The survey also found:
Big differences between retailers. All meat and poultry at Whole Foods is guaranteed antibiotic-free; there's a wide selection of antibiotic-free products at Giant, Hannford, Shaw's and Stop & Shop; there are no such products at Sam's Club, Food 4 Less, Food Lion and Save-A-Lot.
Some surprisingly low prices for organic and "no antibiotics administered" products. The least expensive were whole chickens at Publix and Jewel-Osco, and chicken drumsticks at several Trader Joe's locations, all for $1.29 a pound.
Consumers would pay more to avoid antibiotics. Sixty one percent contacted in a telephone survey said they would pay five cents or more a pound extra; 37 percent indicated they would pay a dollar a pound or more extra.
Most want their groceries to carry meat raised without antibiotics. Eighty six percent said such products should be available in their local supermarket, but only 57 percent said they were available locally.
And what about those confusing labels?
To make sure you're really getting meat and poultry raised without antibiotics, here's what to keep in mind:
The "USDA Organic" seal is best. Federal organic regulations prohibit antibiotic use in livestock and must be verified by an independent, accredited certifier.
Acceptable phrases are "no antibiotics administered" or "no antibiotics added" when accompanied by "USDA Process Verified" shield, or a private certifier, such as Global Animal Partnership for Whole Foods' meat.
"Natural" doesn't always mean no antibiotics. Although "natural" is a USDA-approved claim, it only means minimally processed with no artificial ingredients or added color to the final product. Antibiotics can still be used in raising "natural" meat and poultry unless the label specifically says they weren't.
"Antibiotic-free" is meaningless. A claim never authorized by the USDA, it has no clear or consistent meaning on labels.
Other misleading phrases: "No antibiotic residues" and "No antibiotic growth promotants." Neither claim is USDA-approved nor insures that no antibiotics were used during the animal's life.