Poultry Labeling Debate Continues, Perdue Joins T.L.C.

WASHINGTON ¯ Perdue Farms, the nation's third-largest poultry producer, has joined the Truthful Labeling Coalition, an industry and grassroots organization that consists of more than 30,000 concerned citizens from all 50 states and other leading poultry companies, including Foster Farms, Gold'n Plump Poultry and Sanderson Farms.

The T.L.C. said it works to ensure the truthful labeling of fresh chicken products so consumers may make informed choices. At present, the T.L.C. is "troubled" by what it calls "the USDA’s lack of clarity and consistency regarding both the '100 percent all natural' and 'raised without antibiotics' claims."

"The addition of Perdue strengthens the Truthful Labeling Coalition by extending our representation coast to coast," said Michael Helgeson, chief executive officer of Gold'n Plump Poultry, a T.L.C. member company. "We are now poised to gain additional support and attention around an issue we believe to be an important consumer right: truthfulness in labeling. The coalition stands ready to tackle the complex issues surrounding the '100percent all natural' and 'raised without antibiotics' claims and bring clarity and consistency to the USDA labeling policy."

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