"Free range," "pastured," and other labels like that sound nice, but unfortunately, they can often legally be used on meat from farms that are a far cry from the traditional farms they make you think of. And some, like "natural," don't mean anything at all.
As I see it, we have three choices: (1) Educate ourselves about what the labels really, legally mean; (2) Buy our meat and other animal products direct from local farmers (e.g., at farmers' markets), and ask them questions about how their animals are raised; (3) Don't eat meat or animal products at all.
Well, I guess there's a fourth choice - only eat meat from animals you raise yourself. But not many of us are prepared to do that in this day and age.
Johanna
of MD
@
Apr 30, 2009 15:56:35 PM
Pork
Just a thought: The most common cause of epilepsy in Mexico (cystercercosis) requires pigs in its life cycle. Cystercercosis is the most common central nervous system parasite. Now swine flu (remains to be seen how many die) also requires pigs in its life cycle. Should industrialized pig farms be considered a public health risk and outlawed? Think about the economic costs of epilepsy and just this 1 outbreak of swine flu will cost Mexico.
Jon from Iowa
of IA
@
Apr 30, 2009 11:50:07 AM
Informed choices
Appreciate the information. We can make better choices the more we are educated about our food sources. I would suggest readers see documentary "King Korn" for adddition information.
Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, writes about how to save money, avoid scams, manage debt, and be a savvy shopper. Send your personal finance questions to her for expert money advice.
Johanna of MD @ Apr 30, 2009 15:56:35 PM
Jon from Iowa of IA @ Apr 30, 2009 11:50:07 AM
Jennifer of SC @ Apr 30, 2009 10:06:52 AM
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