No Antibiotics Ever
What is it?
Antibiotics are used by many pork producers for the treatment and prevention of disease. They’re also used in “sub-therapeutic” ways to promote growth and the efficiency of animal feed. Sub-therapeutic use involves giving animals low doses of antibiotics over an extended period of time. However, in pork that is raised with no antibiotics ever (NAE), antibiotics are never used sub-therapeutically or for disease prevention/treatment. If an animal get sick and requires antibiotics, it is removed from the stock used for the production of NAE meat and placed in a traditional herd, after the antibiotics have had time to clear its system.
Why it Matters?
Growing evidence suggests that the sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics in livestock can pose a health risk to humans. With the sustained use of antibiotics over time, animals may become resistant to the drugs and develop antibiotic-resistant bacteria (in severe cases, known as “superbugs”). If meat with this bacteria is not properly cooked before it’s eaten, humans may become ill and not respond to antibiotic treatment. Our commitment to raising animals used in our Never EverTM and Pure OrganicTM pork lines with no antibiotics ever avoids health concerns that may be associated with antibiotic use.
No Added Hormones/Steroids/Growth Promotants
What is it?
Steroids are actually synthetic hormones used to stimulate lean muscle growth in animals. While the FDA does allow the use of some steroid hormone drugs in beef, federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones pork production. Any labeling on pork products stating ‘no added hormones’ must be accompanied by a statement noting that federal regulations prohibit hormone use.
Why it Matters?
There is much ongoing debate regarding the effects of growth hormones in meat on human health, but any adverse effects would not be applicable for pork consumption. However, other labeling – including USDA Certified Organic on Villari Brothers Pure Organic, and GAP1 certification on our Pure Organic and Never Ever pork – indicate a higher level of concern for consumer health and animal welfare.
All Vegetarian Diet
What is it?
This indicates that livestock used in the production of a particular product line are fed a diet that does not include animal byproducts and waste.
Why it Matters?
Our all vegetarian fed pork has a whiter, firmer fat, translating to more marbling and more flavor.
USDA Certified Organic
What is it?
In order to be certified “Organic,” meat must meet strict standards. The US Department of Agriculture requires organic meats to be raised with no antibiotics ever or added hormones/steroids. Animals must be fed 100% organic feed, which can not be treated with synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides – or contain any preservatives, additives or GMO’s.
Why it Matters?
Consumers may choose our Pure Organic pork for health and humanitarian reasons. In addition to the regulations prohibiting the use of antibiotics and hormones/steroids (benefits noted in the No Antibiotic and No Hormones/Steroids/Growth Promotants sections above) – as well as the strict standards for a pure, natural diet – animals used for certified organic meats must be raised in humane living conditions that accommodate their natural behaviors.
Global Animal Partnership (GAP)
What is it?
The Global Animal Partnership is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of farm animals through a step-by-step program that promotes better health, natural living conditions and emotional well-being. As GAP partners, meat and poultry producers earn certification by taking continuous measures to enhance animal welfare. These producers are periodically audited by independent, third-party certifiers to ensure that GAP standards are continuously being met. Villari Brothers Never Ever and Pure Organic pork have received GAP1 certification, which means the animals used in the production of these premium lines are raised without crates, cages or overcrowded conditions.
Why it Matters?
In addition to the humane, ethical aspect of meeting GAP standards, raising livestock in conditions that lower stress levels and enhance the animals’ physical and emotional well-being can lead to a more wholesome product.
A Closer Look at Product Claims
