Perdue's Official Position on Genetically Modified Animals
Perdue Farms is explicit in its official statement: it does not raise or source cloned or genetically engineered animals. This distinction is crucial, as the genetic makeup of the chickens themselves is not altered using modern gene-splicing technology. In fact, federal law in the U.S. prohibits the use of hormones or steroids in poultry.
Instead, the large size and fast growth of modern commercial broiler chickens are the result of decades of traditional selective breeding. Breeders select parent stock with desired characteristics—such as faster growth rates, larger size, and stronger legs—to produce the next generation of birds. This practice is fundamentally different from genetic engineering, which involves directly altering an organism's DNA using laboratory techniques.
The Role of Genetically Modified Feed
While the animals themselves are not genetically engineered, the feed they consume is a different story, which can sometimes cause confusion for consumers. For Perdue's conventional (not organic or Non-GMO) product lines, the chickens are typically fed a diet that includes corn and soybeans. Given that over 85% of corn and soybeans grown in the U.S. are from genetically modified seeds, it is highly likely that this conventional feed contains genetically modified (GM) grains.
However, it is important to understand what this means for the chicken meat. According to Perdue and scientific consensus, consuming meat from an animal fed GM ingredients is not the same as consuming GM ingredients directly. The GM components of the feed do not transfer to or alter the genetics of the animal. Leading scientific organizations, including the World Health Organization, have found no adverse link between food safety and these crops.
Perdue's Feed Practices at a Glance
- Conventional Feed: Contains corn and soybeans, which are likely derived from genetically modified seeds, based on standard U.S. agricultural practices.
- Organic Feed: Certified organic chicken products, such as those under the HARVESTLAND® and SIMPLY SMART® Organics brands, are fed a 100% vegetarian diet of Certified USDA Organic grains that contain no GMOs.
- Non-GMO Project Verified Feed: This label, also found on some Perdue products, signifies that the feed and ingredients used are produced without the use of genetic modification.
Perdue's Different Product Tiers: A Comparison
To meet a variety of consumer preferences, Perdue offers several different product lines, each with distinct raising standards and feed requirements. Understanding these differences is key for consumers looking to avoid GM feed ingredients.
| Feature | Conventional Perdue Chicken | Non-GMO Project Verified Chicken | USDA Organic Perdue Chicken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genetic Modification | Not genetically engineered. | Not genetically engineered. | Not genetically engineered. |
| Feed Type | Fed a vegetarian diet likely containing GM corn and soybeans. | Fed a vegetarian diet with non-GM ingredients, verified by the Non-GMO Project. | Fed a 100% vegetarian, Certified USDA Organic, non-GMO diet. |
| Antibiotics | May be raised with or without antibiotics, depending on the specific product line. | Raised under 'No Antibiotics Ever' standards. | Raised under 'No Antibiotics Ever' standards. |
| Outdoor Access | Raised cage-free in temperature-controlled housing. | Dependent on specific brand and verification, may include outdoor access. | Free-range, with access to outdoor pasture areas. |
| Animal Welfare | Guided by Perdue's Animal Care program and audited. | Verified by the Non-GMO Project and often part of the 'No Antibiotics Ever' program. | Adheres to stringent USDA Organic standards, including higher animal care. |
Making an Informed Decision as a Consumer
Choosing the right Perdue product depends on your personal priorities regarding nutrition and farming practices. If avoiding all genetically modified components, including feed, is a concern, then the USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified labels are the indicators to look for. These products offer assurance that the chicken's diet did not include GM grains.
For those primarily concerned with the genetic engineering of the animal itself, all Perdue chicken meets that criterion, as the birds are not genetically modified. The growth and size of these animals are the result of long-term selective breeding, a practice that has been part of animal agriculture for generations.
Additional Considerations
- Flavor and Texture: Some consumers find that the differences in raising conditions and diet between conventional and organic chickens result in subtle variations in flavor and texture. Pasture-raised chickens, for instance, may have a different taste profile than conventionally raised birds.
- Cost: Due to the more stringent raising practices and feed requirements, organic and non-GMO chicken products are generally more expensive than their conventional counterparts. Perdue has stated its efforts to make these choices more accessible over time.
Conclusion
In summary, Perdue chicken is not genetically modified, and Perdue does not use genetic engineering in its poultry production. All commercial broiler chickens, including Perdue's, are the result of selective breeding for efficient growth. The primary distinction lies in the feed: conventional Perdue chickens are likely fed a diet containing GM grains, while their certified organic and Non-GMO Project Verified products are fed a non-GM diet. This distinction, along with other raising practices, gives consumers a clear choice based on their individual dietary preferences and values.
For additional details on Perdue's biotechnology policy, visit their official corporate statement.(https://corporate.perduefarms.com/news/statements/biotechnology-and-genetic-modification/)
