Food Labels Deciphered

Whether appearing on a package of eggs in your grocery store or listed on a menu in your favorite restaurant, words like “free-range,” “grass-fed,” “natural,” and “organic” are everywhere these days. Many food labels can be confusing, so knowing what a food claim truly means is a great ay to educate yourself about where your food is coming from, and how it’s been produced. Below is a list of the most common food label terms. New food label claims arise regularly, so if you come across a new phrase, be sure to take some time to do the research.

1. Antibiotic Free. The following phrases may be seen on food from an animal that was not given antibiotics during its lifetime: “no antibiotics administered,” “raised without antibiotics,” or “antibiotic-free.”
2. Fair Trade. The “fair trade” label means that farmers and workers in developing countries have received a fair wage and have had decent working conditions while growing and packaging the product.
3. Free-Range. The use of the terms “free-range” or “free-roaming” are only defined by the USDA for egg and poultry production. The label can be used as long as the producers allow the poultry access to the outdoors so they are able to engage in natural behaviors. It does not necessarily mean that the products are cruelty-free, antibiotic-free, or that the animals spend the majority of their time outdoors. Claims are defined by the USDA, but are not verified by third party inspectors.
4. GMO-Free. Products can be labeled “GMO-Free” if they are produced without being genetically engineered through the use of GMOs (genetically-modified organisms). Genetic engineering is the process of transferring specific traits or genes from one organism into a different plant or animal.
5. Grain-Fed. Animals raised on a diet of grain are labeled “grain-fed.” Check the label for “100 Percent Vegetarian Diet,” to ensure the animals were given feed containing no animal byproducts.
6. Grass-Fed. This means the animal was fed grass, rather than grains. They should not be supplemented with grain, animal byproducts, synthetic hormones, or be given antibiotics to promote growth or prevent disease, although they may have been given antibiotics to treat disease. A “grass-fed” label doesn’t mean the animal necessarily ate grass its entire life. Some grass-fed cattle are “grain-finished,” which means they ate grains from a feedlot prior to slaughter.
7. Healthy. Foods labeled “healthy” must be low in fat and saturated fat and contain limited amounts of cholesterol and sodium. Certain foods must also contain at least 10 percent of one or more of vitamins A or C, iron, calcium, protein or fiber.
8. Heritage. A “heritage” label describes a rare and endangered breed of livestock and crops. Heritage animals are prized for their rich taste and usually contain a higher fat content than commercial breeds. These animals are considered purebreds and are a specific breed that is near extinction. Production standards are not required by law, but true heritage farmers use sustainable production methods. This method of production saves animals from extinction and preserves genetic diversity.
9. Hormone Free. The USDA has prohibited use of the term “Hormone Free,” but animals that were raised without added growth hormones can be labeled “No Hormones Administered” or “No Added Hormones.” Bt law, hogs and poultry cannot be given any hormones. If the products are not properly labeled, ask your farmer or butcher to ensure that the meats you are buying are free from hormones.

10. Natural. Currently, no standards exist for this label except when used on meat and poultry products. USDA guidelines state that “natural” meat and poultry products can only undergo minimal processing and cannot contain artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, or other artificial ingredients. However, “natural” foods are not necessarily sustainable, organic, humanely raised, or free of hormones and antibiotics.

11. Non-irradiated. This label means that the food has not been exposed to radiation. Meat and vegetables are sometimes irradiated to kill micro-organisms and reduce the number of microbes present due to unsanitary practices. No thorough testing has been done to know whether irradiated food is safe for human consumption.

12. Pasture-Raised. “Pasture-raised” indicates the animal was raised on a pasture and it ate grasses and food found in a pasture, rather than being fattened on grain in a feedlot or barn. Pasturing livestock and poultry is a traditional farming technique that allows animals to be raised in a humane, ecologically sustainable manner. This term is very similar to “grass-fed,” though the term “pasture-raised” indicates more clearly that the animal was raised outdoors on pasture.

13. Organic. All organic agricultural farms and products must meet the following guidelines (verified by a USDA-approved independent agency):

• Abstain from the application of prohibited materials (including synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and sewage sludge) for 3 years prior to certification and then continually throughout their organic license.
• Prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms and irradiation.
• Employ positive soil building, conservation, manure management and crop rotation practices.
• Provide outdoor access and pasture for livestock.
• Refrain from antibiotic and hormone use in animals.
• Sustain animals on 100% organic feed.
• Avoid contamination during the processing of organic products.
• Keep records of all operations

If a product contains the “USDA Organic” seal, it means that 95 to 100 percent of its ingredients are organic. Products with 70 to 95 percent organic ingredients can still advertise “organic” ingredients on the front of the package, however, and products with less than 70 percent organic ingredients can identify them on the side panel. Organic foods prohibit the use of hydrogenation and trans fats.

14.Transitional. The term “transitional” may be seen on foods from a farm or grower in the process of converting to organic practices but have not yet completed the full transition. These foods may also be labeled “pesticide free.”

15. Wild Game. Contrary to the label, almost all “wild game” found in restaurants is farm-raised. Farm-raised wild game tends to have a milder flavor than truly wild game.

Source: www.sustainable.org

Larry Betz, CSCS