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This week I would like to answer two questions asked by new/prospective customers.
The first question is: A customer asked if Nature’s Gourmet Farm “bleaches” our chicken during processing? ANSWER: Never! While bleaching is the standard method used by commercial raised chicken plants to kill pathogens, here at Nature’s Gourmet Farm we find at our very small family owned and operated plant that is not needed. And, our lab testing confirms this. Since becoming USDA in 2019 our chicken is tested and we have never had any instance of pathogens reported by our outside testing lab.
Next, a customer asked about the organic chicken she buys for her family at Kroger called Simple Truth Organic. Since I had never heard of this brand I first made a simple Google search. Here are several returns that came up.
Who makes Simple Truth Organic chicken?
The "Simple Truth" chicken products are produced by Perdue Farms, which has followed industry practices such as electric stunning birds prior to slaughter, according to the lawsuit. Feb 12, 2014
Reuters https://www.reuters.com
Kroger accused of being not-so-honest in 'Simple Truth ...
Where does Simple Truth get their chicken?
Cage-free is the first issue that's not so simple: The chickens, which are raised by Perdue Farms in Kentucky, are cage-free because they're kept indoors in crowded warehouses, like almost all chickens raised for meat. The warehouses can be dark, and badly ventilated. Mar 3, 2014
Lawsuit Questions Truth Of Kroger's "Simple Truth" Chicken Labels
Is Simple Truth owned by Kroger?
Kroger's Simple Truth brand offers affordable natural and organic products. The Kroger Co. is celebrating 10 years of its private-label Simple Truth line, which holds the distinction of being America's No. 1 organic and free-from brand. Jan 10, 2023
In my opinion, any organic brand that is owned by a major industrial company (like Perdue) is not really organic. True organic will be found in the small independent family owned and operated farms.
Next, to get a better understanding of the Simple Truth brand I went to The Cornucopia Institute. They work to uncover the truth behind organic food and advocate for an organic label you can trust. Their motto is: The number one ingredient in organic food is integrity.
Click to view The Cornucopia Institute – Mission and Vision
Here is the cornucopia scorecard for Kroger’s private brand Simple Truth – you be the judge….
EGGS
CHICKEN
For both eggs and chicken Kroger’s brand Simple Truth rated Poor.
Independence Matters
Cornucopia offers this list of nationally available, organic brands that are currently independently owned. (Scroll down for list.) These brands are committed to selling only certified organic products. A dwindling number of organic brands are independent—most are owned by large conglomerates.
Many brands currently on the market are owned or supplied by a few large companies, creating the illusion of choice for shoppers.
The infographic, Who Owns Organic Poultry?, reveals the companies behind the brands:
VERY VALUABLE The Cornucopia Institute’s Organic Poultry Scorecard surveys more than 60 marketplace brands of chicken and turkey, highlighting authentic organic producers and exposing industrial-scale, faux-organic producers and brands.
To see how consolidation has impacted the marketplace, see Cornucopia’s updated Who Owns Organic? infographic.
Although Cornucopia always recommends certified organic food, they recognize that authentic organic poultry options are scarce. If no authentic organic brands are available, Cornucopia’s Do-it-Yourself Guide to Choosing The Best Chicken and Turkey offers a valuable tool. Outlining specific questions to ask your farmer, the guide will help determine whether production practices meet your dietary needs, environmental ethic and expectations for the humane treatment of chicken and turkey.
Voting with your fork requires a deeper understanding of the issues. Delve into Cornucopia’s research, then leverage your power with where you spend your food dollars. And remember, it is very important to support local farms that fit your values!!!
If you are new to our newsletter we want to ensure you that our chicken is pasture raised in mobile chicken tractors that are moved daily across our pastures. The chicken receives plenty of fresh air, sunshine, clean well water, NON GMO feed, forages, and bugs - and is able to live as a chicken should. At harvest time the chicken is handled humanely and with respect, knowing that the chicken gave his life so our customers can feed their families with a nutrient-dense, quality protein. Visit our farm blog
for many newsletters that go into greater detail including pictures and videos.
** Product Availability Update **
NOTE: Restocks are made about 6 PM on the dates indicated below!
Chicken -Restocked July 10th. Next Restock is July 24th
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Turkey - Sold Out! New poults arrived, but will be months before ready. Demand popped and I dropped the ball on this one.
Eggs - Restocked each Wednesday. We are well stocked on eggs - especially large at this time.
Beef - Restocked July 18th. Half Beef added to store for July 30th harvest
Pork - Restocked fresh cuts July 10th. Link sausage July 14th. Cured items about July 22nd
Lamb - April 17th lamb did not work out. They were only 50 lb live weight or about half the weight needed for slaughter.
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