Does Grade A chicken mean no antibiotic/hormones were used to grow the chicken or is it just a grading system used for good looking chicken?

means that chicken has atleast 4 gpa

^^

http://bfy.tw/1t53




source: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/production-and-inspection/inspection-and-grading-of-meat-and-poultry-what-are-the-differences_/inspection-and-grading-differences

Poultry
The USDA grades for poultry are A, B, and C.

Grade A Image of Grade A Label is the highest quality and the only grade that is likely to be seen at the retail level. This grade indicates that the poultry products are virtually free from defects such as bruises, discolorations, and feathers. Bone-in products have no broken bones. For whole birds and parts with the skin on, there are no tears in the skin or exposed flesh that could dry out during cooking, and a good covering of fat under the skin. Also, whole birds and parts will be fully fleshed and meaty.

The U.S. grade shield for poultry may be found on the following chilled or frozen ready-to-cook poultry products: whole carcasses and parts, as well as roasts, tenderloins, and other boneless and/or skinless poultry products that are being marketed. There are no grade standards for necks, wing tips, tails, giblets, or ground poultry.

Grades B and C poultry are usually used in further-processed products where the poultry meat is cut up, chopped, or ground. If sold at retail, they are usually not grade identified

appreciate the response, but I'm still trying to figure out if grade A means no antibiotics and hormones were used on their chicken.

probably does not mean this.

Would assume you need to look for that on the label and would have better luck at 'healthier' stores such as a green grocier or something of that nature

grading has nothing to do with hormones or antibiotics, free range, etc

this

in my post was the only thing they base grade scale on

you want a brand of 'smart chicken' i think it's purdue its really good once you try it you won't go back to factory farm chicken