What is organic chicken? What qualifies as organic? What are the benefits of organic? We have the answers to your commonly asked questions.
Choosing organic chicken offers several benefits. Foster farms organic chickens are free range, air chilled, and 100% organic vegetarian fed. †† 100% natural* with no added hormones, steroids, or antibiotics ever. If you buy organic chicken, you’re also supporting farming methods that are good for the environment and animals, like letting chickens go outside and do natural things.
From an environmental perspective, organic chicken farming reduces synthetic chemical use. By avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, organic farming helps protect soil, water, and surrounding ecosystems.
Organic chicken is poultry raised without antibiotics, added hormones, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These chickens are fed an organic diet free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
The USDA requires that animals are raised in living conditions accommodating their natural behaviors (like the ability to graze on pasture), fed 100% organic feed and forage, and not administered antibiotics or hormones.
The certification process for organic chicken involves rigorous inspections and audits by accredited certifying bodies. These groups make sure farms follow the government-set organic standards by checking the feed sources, living conditions, and lack of antibiotics and hormones. Once all requirements are met, farms are granted organic certification, allowing them to label their products as organic.
All certified animals must receive 100% certified organic feed. All pastures must also be certified organic. All non-organic certified feed supplements, including minerals, must be approved by your certifier. Antibiotics, GMO derived products, animal by-products and synthetic preservatives are not permitted in any feed products. Be sure that any mineral/feed supplements do not contain prohibited ingredients (such as mineral oil). Agricultural substances in feed supplements (molasses, soy oil, etc. ) must be certified organic.
Research shows that organic chicken farming reduces synthetic chemical use. Through organic farming practices we are improving water quality, conserving energy, increasing biodiversity, and contributing to soil health.
Foster Farms organic chickens are raised on certified organic farms and fed an organic diet. You can count on Foster Farms to be dedicated to ensuring high quality and taste.
By choosing organic chicken, you make a healthier choice for your family and support sustainable and responsible farming practices.
At Foster Farms, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality organic chicken that meets certified organic farming standards. Our organic fed chicken is raised with care, ensuring the best quality and taste. Choose Foster Farms organic chicken for a healthier, more sustainable option.
Find the perfect chicken cut for your next recipe with our delicious Foster Farms organic chicken products.
Look for the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Organic logo on packaging. The USDA organic seal ensures the chicken meets strict production standards, including feed, housing, and outdoor access.
Organic chicken is becoming an increasingly popular option for health and environmentally conscious consumers. But what exactly does “organic” mean when it comes to chicken? This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about organic chickens.
What is Organic Chicken?
When you buy organic chicken, you know that it was raised according to the strict rules and guidelines set by the USDA National Organic Program. These rules are meant to make sure that the chickens are raised in a way that is both humane and environmentally friendly.
Some key requirements for organic chickens include:
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They must be fed a 100% organic diet free from synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This diet is typically composed of organic grains, seeds, and legumes.
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They must have access to the outdoors and direct sunlight. Organic chickens are required to have outdoor space to roam, forage, and exhibit natural behaviors.
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No antibiotics or growth hormones are permitted. But antibiotics can be given to sick chickens if they need them for medical reasons.
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For farms to get organic certification, their facilities and methods must be checked by a third party. Farms must be inspected every year to make sure they’re following organic standards.
In short, the “organic” label makes sure that the chickens are raised in a way that respects their natural behaviors and doesn’t use synthetic chemicals or medications on a regular basis.
The Benefits of Organic Chicken
Choosing organic chicken offers several advantages:
1. Superior Nutrition
Studies show organic chickens may contain higher levels of some nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventionally raised chickens Their varied diet and slower growth contribute to the nutritional differences
2. No Antibiotic Residues
Organic chickens are not exposed to routine antibiotics. This helps minimize antibiotic resistance in humans associated with overuse of antibiotics in agriculture.
3. Environmental Sustainability
Organic production promotes biodiversity, reduces pollution from synthetic pesticides/fertilizers, and emphasizes soil health through practices like rotational grazing.
4. Animal Welfare
Organic chickens enjoy more natural living conditions with access to the outdoors, space to roam, and freedom to exhibit natural behaviors. This contributes to their overall health and wellbeing.
5. Robust Flavor
The varied diet and active lifestyle of organic chickens lead to a more intense, complex flavor profile.
How Organic Chickens are Raised
There are strict standards around how organic chickens are raised:
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Housing: Chickens must have sufficient indoor space with access to the outdoors. Outdoor runs should have vegetation and allow chickens to roam freely.
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Diet: Organic feed must be GMO-free and grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Added growth hormones and antibiotics are prohibited.
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Healthcare: Preventative health practices are emphasized over antibiotics. Sick birds can be treated but lose organic status.
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Sustainability: Rotational grazing, composting, and integrating chickens into farm ecosystems is encouraged.
These specialized living conditions result in healthier, happier chickens that in turn produce quality organic meat.
Buying & Identifying Organic Chicken
When purchasing organic chicken, look for the USDA Organic seal which certifies the chickens were raised to National Organic Standards. Other helpful labels include:
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100% Organic: Indicates the chicken was produced entirely per organic standards.
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Organic: At least 95% of the ingredients are organic.
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Made with organic ingredients: At least 70% of the ingredients are organic.
The organic chicken label will also list the name of the certifying agency. Reputable organic brands can be found at health food stores, local farms, farmers markets or ordered online.
Cooking with Organic Chicken
Organic chicken offers fantastic flavor and versatility in cooking. Here are some tips:
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Enhance flavor with simple herbs, spices, citrus, garlic, olive oil, etc. Avoid overpowering the natural flavors.
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Try classic dishes like roasted whole chicken, chicken soup, fried chicken, chicken pot pie.
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Use in global recipes – chicken tikka masala, chicken tacos, chicken shawarma, chicken adobo etc.
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Cook thoroughly to 165°F to eliminate risk of food-borne illness. Use a meat thermometer.
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Maximize use of the whole chicken – roast the carcass for stock, use leftovers in salads, sandwiches, casseroles.
With its superior nutrition, ethical production and great taste, organic chicken is a smart option for health and sustainability-focused consumers. Look for the USDA Organic seal and recommended organic brands when purchasing.
So go ahead, give organic chicken a try in your next meal! Your taste buds and conscience will thank you.
Free Range Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Tenders
ORGANIC vs. NON-ORGANIC CHICKEN | What’s The Difference?
FAQ
What is the difference between organic chicken and regular chicken?
Organic chicken differs from regular chicken primarily in how they are raised and fed. Organic chickens must be raised on certified organic farms, fed a diet free of GMOs, synthetic pesticides, and herbicides, and have access to the outdoors. They also cannot be treated with antibiotics or hormones.
What does organic chicken mean?
The birds must be raised organically no later than two days after they hatch; They must be fed certified organic feed for their entire lives. Organic feed cannot contain animal by-products, antibiotics or genetically engineered grains and cannot be grown using persistent pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
What classifies a chicken as organic?
Organic chicken is poultry raised according to specific, regulated standards that emphasize animal welfare and environmental sustainability. These standards generally prohibit the use of antibiotics, growth hormones, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and require the chicken to be fed a diet of certified organic feed.
Is Chick-fil-A an organic chicken?
No, Chick-fil-A does not serve organic chicken. They source their chicken from farms in the US that adhere to their Animal Wellbeing Standards. Even though the chicken isn’t organic, it is 100% real, boneless breast meat that has never been ground or mechanically separated and doesn’t have any fillers, steroids, or hormones added to it.