How to Use the FAT App While Shopping
The FAT App is built for real shopping decisions: scan, understand what’s verified, compare products, and choose based on your priorities—without guessing.
What this page covers: a 60‑second workflow, what to check first, how verification works, and how to avoid common label traps (especially for antibiotics and animal welfare).
The 60‑Second Shopping Workflow
If you only remember one thing, remember this: scan → check your priority categories → check verification → compare two products.
Step 1 — Scan
Scan the package label or product code to pull up the FAT profile for that specific product.
Step 2 — Start with your top 2–3 priorities
Most shoppers start with Animal Welfare, Medicine/Antibiotics, Feed, and Origin. Then they review the rest for context.
Step 3 — Check verification (not just the claim)
The App shows whether key claims are supported by credible independent verification, a USDA program (when applicable), or producer records only. That verification tier determines confidence.
Step 4 — Compare two products side-by-side
Choose two options and compare the same categories in the same format. FAT makes trade-offs visible (for example: stronger welfare vs. different antibiotic policy vs. different feed and finishing).
Tip: If you’re in a hurry, focus on what is disclosed, what is not disclosed, and how it’s verified.
What to Check First
Most confusion comes from focusing on one headline claim and ignoring what’s missing. These categories usually give you the fastest clarity.
Animal Welfare
Check the standard used (if any), whether it’s independently audited, and whether the rating scale is explained.
Medicine / Antibiotics
Distinguish strong claims (“No Antibiotics Ever”) from vague terms (“antibiotic‑free”) and always check verification.
Feed
“Grass‑fed” and “pasture” can be vague. Look for finishing disclosure and clear feed composition when provided.
Origin
Prioritize born/raised/processed disclosure when available. Region/state details help you compare more honestly.
How Verification Works in the FAT App
Many label claims sound official but vary in strength. The App is designed to show what the claim is and how it’s supported.
Tier A — Strong verification
Credible independent verification (for example, an audited program) and clear documentation standards.
Tier B — Producer documentation
Meaningful claims supported by producer records or program documentation, but without strong independent verification disclosed.
Tier C — Vague or baseline marketing
Undefined marketing language, “feel‑good” claims, or statements that do not clearly exceed minimum expectations. FAT flags these as low-value for transparency.
Using the App for Antibiotic Claims
Antibiotic language is one of the most confusing parts of meat shopping. The App helps you separate strong, verifiable programs from vague marketing terms.
Key clarification: “No unsafe residues” is not the same as “no antibiotics used.” Residue compliance is a legal requirement and does not tell you how antibiotics were used on the farm.
Why this matters right now: The FDA reported a sharp increase in sales/distribution of medically important antibiotics for food‑producing animals in 2024. FDA also cautions that sales/distribution is not the same as on‑farm dosing.
About bird flu: Influenza is viral and antibiotics do not treat viruses. Outbreak conditions can be associated with antibiotic use for secondary bacterial infections or broader management responses, but sales data alone do not establish a single cause.
Fast rules in the App
- Best: “No Antibiotics Ever” / “Raised Without Antibiotics” with verification tier clearly shown.
- Some value: clearly defined restrictions (for example, treatment‑only policies) with verification disclosed.
- Low value unless defined + verified: “No growth‑promoting antibiotics.”
- Do not rely on: “Antibiotic‑free” (often ambiguous and may be used in residue‑implying ways).
Read the Antibiotics explainer → | Read the Antibiotic Surge research brief →
Using the App for Animal Welfare Claims
Welfare labels vary widely in what they require. Some programs aim to improve animal living conditions meaningfully; others certify standards closer to common practice. The App helps you understand which is which.
Important: Some welfare programs use rating scales where “1” is the entry level and “5” is the highest level. The App displays the standard and the tier so you don’t accidentally interpret “#1” as “best.”
Comparing Two Products (A Simple Decision Method)
The App is most powerful when you compare two products directly. Here’s a method that works quickly:
- Pick your top priority (welfare, antibiotics, feed, or origin).
- Check verification (Tier A vs. Tier B vs. Tier C).
- Check what’s missing (“Not disclosed” is meaningful information).
- Make one trade-off consciously (decide what you’re willing to accept and why).
Example: Product A has stronger welfare verification but no antibiotic claim. Product B has “No Antibiotics Ever” with verification but weaker welfare standards. FAT does not tell you what to prefer—FAT shows you the facts so you can choose intentionally.
Troubleshooting in the Store
If the scan doesn’t match
Try again with better lighting. Confirm brand, cut, and size. If it still doesn’t match, use the App as a framework: compare claims and look for verification rather than relying on slogans.
Butcher counter / no package
Ask for the farm/ranch name, processor name/location, and whether claims are verified (independent audit vs. producer records). If answers are vague, treat claims as low-confidence.
Farmers market / direct-from-farm
Transparent producers can usually answer quickly: feed, housing, antibiotic policy, and processing details. If answers are vague, treat the claim as low-confidence—regardless of how good the marketing sounds.