Senators Seek Clarification from FSIS About Humane and Sustainable Animal-Raising Claims on Meat Products

Senators Richard Blumenthal, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, and Sheldon Whitehouse sent correspondence to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) seeking clarification on FSIS’ process for substantiating “animal-raising claims” on meat products sold in the United States and whether FSIS intends to pursue additional rulemaking or guidance on proper labeling of meat products. The letter cites a recent report by the Animal Welfare Institute finding that labels like “humanely raised” and “sustainably farmed” often are unsubstantiated, with up to 50% of labels lacking proof to back up such claims. The Senators have requested an agency response by April 14, 2023.