FAQs

Antibiotic Free


What’s the difference between conventional meat and meat raised without antibiotics?+

The difference lies is in the way animals are raised. Antibiotic free meat means that no antibiotics were administered during the animal’s life span. Most antibiotic free animals are fed vegetable grain, plus dietary supplements including vitamins and minerals. Their diet is therefore free of animal biproducts that may contain antibiotics residue.


Why is it important to eat antibiotic free meat?+

Antibiotic free meat is better for you, your health, and the environment. The antibiotics given to animals are often the same type used for human consumption. The more antibiotics that are used, the more likely the animal is to develop a resistance to them.


How do I know if the meat I'm eating is antibiotic free?+

Check your label. North Country Smokehouse clearly labels all their antibiotic free products accordingly. Rest assured our natural and organic products are always antibiotic free. That’s our promise.


Why do antibiotic free product cost more?+

Antibiotics act as growth promoters. An animal raised without antibiotics takes longer to reach maturity than a conventionally raised animal. Vegetable grains are also more expensive than traditional feed made from animal by-products. Production and feed costs are therefore higher.



Certified Humane ®


What does Certified Humane ® mean?+

The Certified Humane ® label means that the food comes from farms where Humane Farm Animal Care’s standards for the humane treatment of farm animals are implemented. This means the animals can engage in natural behaviors, are never crated, fed a diet of quality free from animal by-products, growth hormones and antibiotics.


Why is it important to buy Certified Humane ® products? +

It’s compassionate and shows respect for the animal but that’s not all. Raising a farm animal more humanely has a direct impact on your health and the health of the environment. Farm animals that are not raised humanely are fed diets of animal by-products, antibiotics (which causes antibiotic resistance in people), and hormones (which causes early onset puberty in our youth). As far as the environment goes, fewer animals on more space is better for the land, the air, and the water.


How do I know if the product i'm eating is Certified Humane ®?+

Check your label. North Country Smokehouse clearly labels all our Certified Humane ® products accordingly. Rest assured our natural and organic products are always Certified Humane ®. That’s our promise.



Non-GMO


What is a GMO? +

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering. This creates combinations of plant, animal, bacteria, and virus genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.


How do I know if a product has GMO's in it?+

Check your label. North Country Smokehouse clearly labels all our NON-GMO products accordingly. Rest assured our organic products are always GMO free. That’s our promise.


Are GMO's Safe to Eat?+

A growing body of evidence connects GMOs with health problems, environmental damage, and violation of farmers’ and consumers’ rights. North Country Smokehouse does not conduct independent research, but we encourage health conscious consumers to contact The Non-GMO Project for data and research findings at https://www.nongmoproject.org.


Are GMO's Labeled?+

Sixty-four countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all the countries in the European Union, require genetically modified foods to be labeled. 1 While a 2015 ABC News survey found that 93% of Americans believe genetically modified foods should be labelled, GMOs are not required to be labelled in the U.S. and Canada. 



Organic


What Does Certified Organic Mean?+

The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) defines organic as follows: Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled “organic,” a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.


How do I know if a product is organic?+

Check your label. North Country Smokehouse clearly labels all our Certified Organic® products accordingly. The USDA Organic seal assures consumers of the quality and integrity of organic products. Organic-certified operations must have an organic system plan and records that verify compliance with that plan.


Why do organic products cost more?+

There are many different reasons why organic food may cost more money. The good news is, research shows a growing demand for organic products, which means the cost will decrease over time. Some of the reasons organic food might cost more is: Organic farmers don’t receive federal subsidies like conventional farmers do. Therefore, the price of organic food reflects the true cost of growing. The price of conventional food does not reflect the cost of environmental cleanups that we pay for through our tax dollars. Organic farming is more labor and management intensive. Organic farms are usually smaller than conventional farms and so do not benefit from the economies of scale that larger growers get.


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