Decoding the Labels: What 'No Antibiotics' Claims Actually Mean
When shopping for chicken, labels can be confusing, with terms like "natural" and "raised cage-free" often serving as marketing rather than guarantees of antibiotic-free practices. To ensure you're buying chicken that has no antibiotics, it's essential to understand specific, verified labels.
No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) and Raised Without Antibiotics (RWA)
The NAE or RWA label is a key indicator that chickens were raised without antibiotics at any point from egg to harvest. The USDA verifies this claim, often through a "USDA Process Verified" seal, which confirms on-farm inspections. Chickens requiring antibiotic treatment are removed from NAE flocks and sold conventionally.
USDA Organic
The USDA Organic label also prohibits antibiotic use, with a rare exception for treatments on the first day of life in the hatchery. For complete assurance of no antibiotic use, look for the USDA Organic label combined with a "Raised Without Antibiotics" claim. Organic certification also requires 100% organic feed and outdoor access, contributing to animal welfare and non-GMO diets.
The Difference Between NAE and Organic
A chicken that has no antibiotics (NAE) isn't necessarily organic, and an organic chicken might have received antibiotics on day one. The most stringent standard is organic chicken explicitly labeled as "Raised Without Antibiotics".
Other Labels to Be Wary Of
Some labels are often misinterpreted:
- Antibiotic-Free: This term is misleading; federal law requires a withdrawal period for all chickens given antibiotics before processing, making all meat technically 'antibiotic-free' at that point, regardless of prior use.
- No Medically Important Antibiotics: This only means antibiotics critical to human medicine were not used, but other types of antibiotics might have been administered, potentially still contributing to resistance.
- Natural: This label only indicates no artificial additives after processing and does not address antibiotic use or living conditions.
Brands That Raise Chickens with No Antibiotics Ever (NAE)
Several brands are known for their commitment to raising chickens with no antibiotics. Look for their NAE or RWA labels:
- Perdue: Offers a range of products verified by USDA as "No Antibiotics Ever".
- Smart Chicken: A pioneer in the NAE approach, certified with a USDA Process Verified NAE label.
- Bell & Evans: Raises all chickens without antibiotics from hatching to harvest.
- Foster Farms: Provides a "Simply Raised" line of antibiotic-free, free-range chicken.
- Coleman Natural: Produces poultry raised without antibiotics.
- Rossdown Farms: A Canadian brand with a "Raised Without Antibiotics" line focusing on animal welfare.
Comparison Table: How Chicken Labels Differ
| Label | Meaning | Antibiotic Use? | Organic Feed? | Outdoor Access? | Verification? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAE / RWA | Never given antibiotics, ever. | No (sick birds removed) | No | No | USDA Process Verified if noted |
| USDA Organic | No antibiotics (with rare exception on day 1). | Mostly No | Yes | Yes | Annual USDA inspections |
| Antibiotic-Free | No antibiotic residues present at processing. | Yes (often) | No | No | Not verified; legally required for all meat |
| No Medically Important Antibiotics | No antibiotics used to treat humans. | Yes (others used) | No | No | Requires documentation to USDA |
| Natural | No artificial ingredients or colors after processing. | Yes (often) | No | No | Not verified beyond standard inspection |
Why Choose Chicken with No Antibiotics?
Choosing chicken raised without antibiotics offers benefits for health and the environment.
The Problem of Antibiotic Resistance
Agricultural antibiotic use contributes to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a significant health threat. These bacteria can spread to humans, sometimes through food. Selecting antibiotic-free chicken supports efforts to combat this resistance.
Improved Animal Welfare
NAE producers often prioritize better living conditions and management, as healthy chickens require fewer interventions. This can include cleaner environments and nutritious diets.
Healthier for You
Many consumers believe antibiotic-free meat is a healthier choice, avoiding potential antibiotic residues and supporting higher welfare standards. Organic chicken further eliminates synthetic chemicals and GMOs from the feed.
How to Find and Purchase NAE Chicken
Identifying and purchasing chicken that has no antibiotics requires careful label reading and knowing where to shop.
Grocery Store: Look for brands like Perdue (NAE line), Smart Chicken, Bell & Evans, and Coleman Natural with explicit "No Antibiotics Ever" or "Raised Without Antibiotics" labels. Combining USDA Organic with RWA offers the highest standard.
Butcher Shop: Local butchers can often provide information on sourcing from farms with NAE practices.
Restaurants: Chains like Chipotle and BurgerFi are known for using NAE chicken. Always confirm a restaurant's current sourcing policies.
Conclusion
To confidently buy chicken with no antibiotics, prioritize labels such as "No Antibiotics Ever" or "Raised Without Antibiotics." For the most rigorous standard, look for the USDA Organic label alongside an RWA claim. Supporting brands like Perdue, Smart Chicken, and Bell & Evans means making choices that can positively impact personal health and agricultural sustainability.
For more details on antibiotic resistance and its link to food, consult resources like the National Institutes of Health website.
Where to Buy No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) Chicken:
Online Retailers and Grocery Stores with NAE Brands
- Online: Check specialty retailers or brand websites like Perdue and Bell & Evans for store locations.
- Whole Foods Market: Offers a wide selection of organic and NAE poultry.
- Costco: Carries organic and antibiotic-free options, including under their Kirkland Signature brand.
- Thrive Market: An online retailer focused on natural and organic products, including NAE chicken.
- Walmart & Target: Increasingly stock NAE products from brands like Perdue and Foster Farms.
Restaurants with No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) Policies for Chicken
- Chipotle: Committed to serving meat, including chicken, raised with no antibiotics ever.
- BurgerFi: Sources beef and chicken from NAE suppliers.
- Fast-Food with NAIHM: Some chains, like KFC and McDonald's, have policies against using antibiotics important to human medicine, a step above conventional farming, but verify current practices.
Additional Considerations for Choosing NAE Chicken
Environmental Impact
Choosing NAE or organic chicken often aligns with more sustainable farming methods, emphasizing animal welfare and environmental care.
Taste and Texture
Some consumers find antibiotic-free chicken, raised in less stressful environments with better diets, offers superior taste and texture.
Cost
NAE and organic chicken may be more expensive due to factors like feed, housing, and growth rates, but many consumers find the health and ethical benefits justify the cost.
