Claims about meat, poultry products come under greater USDA scrutiny

Sep 11, 2023

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking a closer look at the truthfulness of meat and poultry products marketed as "free-range," "raised without antibiotics," and other similar claims about how the source animal was raised, according to a news release from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The USDA announced on June 14 a multi-step effort aimed at strengthening the substantiation of animal-raising claims. "Consumers should be able to trust that the label claims they see on products bearing the USDA mark of inspection are truthful and accurate," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a press release.

"USDA is taking this action to ensure the integrity of animal-raising claims and level the playing field for producers who are truthfully using these claims, which we know consumers value and rely on to guide their meat and poultry purchasing decisions," he said.

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Video: CEOs of the Industry: Dr. Jay Miller, The Maschhoffs

CEOs of the Industry, we sit down with Dr. Jay Miller, CEO of The Maschhoffs, to explore his remarkable journey from veterinary consultant to executive leader at one of America’s largest family-owned pork production companies.

Dr. Miller shares how his outside-in perspective shaped his leadership approach, what it was like transitioning from advisor to CEO, and how he’s balancing the company’s proud multigenerational legacy with the need for transformation and innovation.

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Looking ahead, he shares his five-year vision for The Maschhoffs and gives us a personal peek in the Fast Five round, where he reveals leadership insights, the best advice he’s received, and the three words that define The Maschhoffs in 2025.