The San Fransisco Chronicle is quickly becoming my favorite newspaper for food and sustainability news. In a 101-style, here’s the scoop on the myriad of animal-friendly certifications, seals and medallions. For more on this, check out Arlin Wasserman’s workshop materials on almost ALL the symbols at the Latkes to Lattes workshops resource page.

Here’s a brief comparison of the main labels:

Animal Compassionate — So far only pork guidelines are complete. Tail-docking. sow confinement prohibited. Natural daylight required.

USDA Organic — Federal organic rules allow de-beaking, tail-docking, sow-crating and dual production systems; they require outdoor access and natural daylight.

Animal Welfare Approved — De-beaking chickens, docking pigs’ tails, confining pregnant sows in crates and dual-production systems (one humane, another not) prohibited; outdoor access and natural daylight required.

Certified Humane — De-beaking, tail-docking, sow-crating and dual-production systems permitted; outdoor access and natural daylight not required.

Free Farmed Certified — De-beaking, tail-docking, sow-crating and dual-production systems allowed; natural daylight, outdoor access and natural daylight not required.