Updated USDA Guidelines on Meat and Dairy Labels Must Go Further to Stop Big Ag Greenwashing
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its updated guideline for substantiation of animal-raising claims on meat and dairy labels. While USDA does not regulate on-farm animal welfare and sustainability practices, it is charged with approving labeling claims to ensure they are not false or misleading.
However, the vast majority of animal raising claims verified by USDA have lacked adequate substantiation. The agency’s approval of inherently false claims like “low-carbon beef” cast further doubt on the adequacy of USDA’s approval process. Stronger substantiation requirements are needed to protect consumers, farmers, animals and the environment.
In response to the announcement, Molly Armus, animal agriculture policy program manager at Friends of the Earth, released the following statement:
While USDA’s proposed guideline changes move toward addressing deceptive labels, failing to require, rather than simply encourage, third-party certification leaves the door open for Big Ag loopholes. Industry can continue making false and misleading claims that undermining producers who are adhering to higher welfare and sustainability standards.
Third-party certification is essential to verifying claims around environmental stewardship and animal welfare, and prohibiting blatantly greenwashed falsehoods like ‘low-carbon beef.’ As the public comment period moves forward on this proposal, USDA must reconsider and require independent certification of any stewardship claims.
Contact: Shaye Skiff, [email protected]