How to buy a chicken and get what you think you're getting

What do all those labels mean?

• Natural: No artificial ingredients were added during processing. But the bird may have been fed antibiotics.
• Organic: Raised without antibiotics, these chickens are given only organic feed (grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides), with no animal by-products.
• Certified Humane: The chickens living conditions were above federal standards. They were fed no animal by-products and no antibiotics except when ill.
• Free Range: Although the term implies that the bird roamed free to eat a varied diet (which adds to its flavor), this claim does not have to be verified. To be sure the bird has had access to the outdoors, look for both "free-range" and "certified humane" labels.
• Kosher: These chickens were raised and slaughtered following Jewish dietary rules. Because Kosher processing involves hand salting, the meat is often saltier than others. (Therefore not recommended for those on low sodium diets, I might add!:)