AWI recently published a report on the USDA’s label approval process for “free range” (and equivalent) claims. The report shows that the USDA inadequately defines and evaluates the claim. As a result, consumers are misled and farmers who actually do meet consumer expectations for what “free range” means—by giving their animals ample opportunity to roam outdoors—are placed at a distinct disadvantage.
To learn more about the free range claim, please read the report: USDA Gives Producers Free Reign Over “Free Range” Product Labels, available at www.awionline.org/free-range-report.