Farm Sanctuary launches its latest campaign with a newly revised and updated report on “humane” labeling schemes.

In the past half century, animal agriculture in the U.S. has been taken over by large corporations that dominate the marketplace for meat, dairy and eggs by turning small-scale farms into factory farms. Mechanization has allowed industrialized agribusiness to increase their profit margins by raising large numbers of animals more quickly and cheaply than ever before. Yet in this system, farm animals are seen as mere production units, and their complex social and behavioral needs are largely ignored. Industrial farming conditions are so harsh that animals commonly succumb to injury, illness and disease, and millions die before reaching the slaughterhouse every year. In the cold calculations of agribusiness, these deaths are considered acceptable economic losses.

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of and concerned about the cruel treatment of animals exploited for meat, milk and eggs. In response, animal producers and food retailers are developing programs to market their products in ways that appeal to these growing concerns, using labels like “humane,” “natural,” “cage free” and “organic.” But what do these terms really mean? Taking a closer look at the substance behind these labels, we see that they refer to a wide range of living conditions for animals — and they may not be consistent with what consumers envision.

Farm Sanctuary reviewed information on meat, milk and egg product labels promoted by government agencies, industry associations, retailers, and third-party interest groups that purport to provide some level of enhanced welfare for the animals involved. A critical look shows that while some farm animals housed and handled under the tenets of a “certified” labeling scheme may suffer less than others, the degree to which their welfare has improved is still far from “humane.” And all animals exploited for meat, dairy or egg production – whether factory farmed or otherwise – meet the same cruel end at the slaughterhouse.

Continue reading the report summary.

Download the full report (71 pages).

Resources:

• Order copies of the Truth Behind the Labels report summary booklet to give to friends and family.
• Order copies of Farm Sanctuary’s Truth Behind “Humane” Meat, Milk and Eggs brochure to pass out to neighbors and others in your community.
• Learn more about how animals are raised for meat, milk and eggs.