Before you buy...

Thank you for visiting HumaneFacts and for your concern about animal suffering, public health, and environmental protection.

A 2003 Gallup poll found that 62% of American consumers favor strict controls on the treatment of animals raised for food. Producers have responded by introducing a number of labels, such as "free-range," "organic," or "natural," suggesting that their products come from animals that are raised under more humane and/or more sanitary conditions.

HumaneFacts is an online resource that explains what these various labels mean -- and what they don't. It also comments on investigation and enforcement of labeling practices and offers suggestions for more informed consumer choices.The information is arranged in four sections:

• Labels defines terms like free-range, organic, natural, grass-fed, no hormones, and others. It provides loophole alerts to highlight problem areas and provides information on regulation.

• Problems and Solutions describes conditions of animals in factory farms, transport, and slaughterhouses. It provides recommendations on the most effective means to reduce animal suffering, improve public health, and protect our natural environment. It also explains the benefits of reducing/eliminating meat consumption and offers a FREE Veg Starter Kit with recipes.

• Meet the Animals highlights the natural lives of farm animals.

• Resources contains a variety of print and on-line publications.

Mahatma Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." There are many problems in the world we can't change, but with every meal, we have the power to create lasting positive change.