Home On The (Not So Free) Range
In the past few years, the popularity of free-range poultry, pork and beef has increased dramatically.
It has been argued that, in addition to being a healthier and more humane way to raise animals, free-range food is better for consumers. And, although free-range foods tend to be significantly more expensive, consumers may not be getting what they bargained for.
One common justification for the increased cost is that free range food is healthier. A recent study published in the Journal of Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, however, found that levels of Salmonella, toxoplasma and even trichinosis were higher in free-range animals. This is likely because free-range animals are often exposed to a broader spectrum of environmental hazards than their counterparts, including a wider-variety of other animals, multiple water sources, diverse soils and even pathogens.
And, even setting health aside, many people insist that free-range animals taste better. Here too, however, studies have shown that in reality this might not be true. Research suggests that the increased price and altered perception of what is being consumed merely make people “think” that free-range necessarily equates to better quality (when, in many cases it does not). I am certain that, someday in the future, when we find ourselves eating meat produced in a test tube, there will undoubtedly be those who insist that meat coming from a living animal tastes far better, regardless of any actual differences. Food for thought, I guess.
In any event, the real issue at the “heart” of the matter may be the treatment of animals. Those who argue in favor of free-range farming do so, in most cases, because they believe the oft-publicized (and often incorrect) allegations of inhumane treatment of animals on large farms to be unacceptable. Although such arguments are noble, the fact remains that most animals for which we depend upon our survival are raised quite humanely, and free of pain and suffering.
In addition, few people know that there are currently no practical definitions or enforceable standards which dictate what it actually means to be “free-range.” In this regard, it is currently possible for an animal to characterized as “free-range” without ever having been outside. Simply allowing an animal access to the outdoors, even if for only five minutes a day, qualifies. Thus, the only way to really know how a particular producer raises its animals is to ask.
So, when you think about the health, taste and nobility of your next purchase, remember that, in many ways, free-range may not be so free.
