Find out what organic chicken is, what makes something organic, and what the benefits of organic are. We have the answers to your most-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. Supporting organic chicken also means endorsing sustainable and humane farming practices, providing chickens with outdoor access and allowing them to engage in natural behaviors.
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 be raised in a way that supports their natural behaviors (for example, letting them graze on pasture), that they are fed 100% organic food and forage, and that they are not given 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?
Organic chicken refers to poultry that has been raised following strict regulations and procedures set by the USDA National Organic Program. These standards aim to ensure the chickens are raised humanely and sustainably.
Some key requirements for organic chickens include:
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It is important that they are fed an organic diet that is free of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic grains, seeds, and legumes make up most of this diet.
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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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Organic certification involves third-party audits of the farm facilities and practices, Farms must be inspected annually to verify compliance with 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 that organic chickens may have higher amounts of some nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, than conventionally raised chickens. This is because organic chickens eat a wider range of foods and grow more slowly.
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 farms that are certified as organic. They must also be able to go outside and eat food that doesn’t contain GMOs, synthetic pesticides, or herbicides. 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 rules usually say that antibiotics, growth hormones, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can’t be used. They also say that the chicken has to be fed 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. While the chicken is not organic, it is 100% real, boneless breast meat that has never been ground or mechanically separated, and contains no fillers, added steroids, or hormones.