Beef Marketing Claims: What You Can (and Can’t) Put on Your Labels

Marketing claims can help tell your beef story, but only if they’re used correctly. This guide breaks down which claims are allowed, which require USDA approval, and which you should avoid.

Small lockers and direct-to-consumer beef businesses often want to add marketing claims to stand out–things like “natural,” “grass-fed,” or “raised without antibiotics.” But not all claims are regulated the same way, and using them incorrectly can lead to serious labeling violations.

This fact sheet gives clear, straightforward answers to the most common labeling questions so meat processors can avoid costly labeling mistakes, communicate clearly with customers, and understand which claims truly add value to their products.