Certifications & Standards
Understanding the certifications and labels you'll find on Cattle Hub. Know exactly what you're buying and what each certification means.
USDA Inspected
RequiredAll meat sold commercially in the United States must be USDA inspected under the Federal Meat Inspection Act. This ensures the meat is safe, wholesome, and properly labeled.
What It Means
- Processed at inspected facility
- Safe for human consumption
- Accurate labeling verified
Cattle Hub Standard
100% of Butcher Box products are processed at USDA-inspected facilities. This is non-negotiable.
USDA Organic
PremiumUSDA Organic certification means cattle were raised without synthetic hormones, antibiotics, or GMO feed. They must have access to pasture and be fed 100% organic feed.
Requirements
- No antibiotics or growth hormones
- 100% organic feed (no GMOs)
- Access to outdoors/pasture
- Third-party certified annually
Find on Cattle Hub
Look for the Organic badge on listings. Filter by "Organic" in search.
Grass-Fed / Grass-Finished
PopularGrass-fed cattle eat grass and forage throughout their lives. "Grass-finished" means they were never grain-finished before processing, resulting in leaner meat with a distinct flavor.
Key Differences
- Leaner than grain-finished beef
- Higher in Omega-3 fatty acids
- More complex, earthy flavor
- Higher in CLA and antioxidants
Important Note
"Grass-fed" alone may mean grain-finished. Look for "100% Grass-Fed" or "Grass-Finished" for purely pasture-raised beef.
Animal Welfare Certified
EthicalVarious third-party certifications ensure humane treatment of animals. These programs audit farms for living conditions, handling practices, and slaughter methods.
Common Certifications
- Certified Humane
- Animal Welfare Approved
- Global Animal Partnership
- American Humane Certified
What They Verify
Adequate space, access to outdoors, proper nutrition, stress-free handling, and humane slaughter practices.
Breed Certifications
PremiumSome breeds have their own certification programs that verify the animal's genetics and breeding standards.
Popular Programs
- Certified Angus Beef (CAB)
- Certified Hereford Beef
- American Wagyu Association
Certified Angus Beef
Must meet 10 quality standards including marbling, maturity, and consistent sizing. Only 30% of Angus cattle qualify.
Quick Comparison
| Certification | No Antibiotics | No Hormones | Pasture Access | Organic Feed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USDA Inspected | — | — | — | — |
| USDA Organic | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Grass-Fed | — | — | ✓ | — |
| Certified Humane | — | ✓ | ✓ | — |
Shop by Certification
Use our filters to find exactly what you're looking for—organic, grass-fed, or certified humane beef delivered to your door.
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