­A new standard for “naturally raised” meat would prohibit growth hormones, animal byproducts in feed-which are implicated in causing mad cow disease-and antibiotics. That all sounds good — but the U.S. Department of Agriculture measure doesn’t address the environment in which the animal was raised.

For example, if an animal was raised in confinement and without access to pasture, the “naturally raised” claim could still be used. The “naturally raised” claim is being proposed in addition to the existing “natural” claim, which the government has only defined for meat and poultry.

According to federal officials, “natural” products must be minimally processed and cannot contain any artificial or synthetic ingredients, including flavors, colors, and chemical preservatives.

However, those specifics don’t have to be listed — and the claim can be used without any verification.

Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, suggests that only specific product claims should be allowed, such as “no antibiotics or hormones ever administered,” or “no artificial ingredients added.” Such statements would be meaningful than broad claims such as “naturally raised” and “natural,” the advocacy group contends.