For the most part, we can trust the government to keep us safe and the animals that are raised for our consumption free from undo harm. Right? It is the job of The US Department of Agriculture to ensure that the Animal raising claims labeled on meat and poultry products are truthful and not misleading. Unfortunately, there are discrepancies with the USDA's current approval process for claims such as "humanely raised," "free range," and "pasture raised." We want to believe that when a label on our food products claims any of these practices, it is true. Unfortunately, these practices don't really follow the rule of law. Why is it that a producer may keep animals crammed in barren sheds by the thousands, with no natural light, and ammonia-soaked litter that burns their eyes and skin, yet still slap a "humanely raised" label claim on the package?

I am sure that the USDA does not knowingly encourage poor practices, but they don't do enough to ensure them, either. Because of this, it is really beneficial financially for the producers to maintain the status quo for their profit margins. They actually can charge more for their products by stating that they are "humanely raised, pasture raised and free range."

It is essentially up to us to make sure that the labeling on food products is truthful and just. There is only one way to stop this behavior and that is to speak out. The Animal Welfare Institute does just that. In this day and age with the consumers' awareness heightened, we should demand the humane treatment of all animals. It is no wonder that there are so many vegetarians and we can be meat consumers without this horrible treatment of these animals. This is why we do support this organization and will always accept only the best producers to be represented on Arteeni, such as Tender Belly.

Arteeni's mission is to promote American artisans and support our charity partners by donating a portion of each sale. For more information about Animal Welfare Institute or to select them as your designated cause, click here.