CCRH
What's In A Label?
Jan 28, 2010
What do your food labels really mean? 'Free-range,' 'natural,' 'non-toxic,' and other myths
Mitch LipkaJan 28th 2010 at 9:00AM
Naturally raised. A recent USDA standard for animals raised withhout growth hormones or anitbiotics.
Natural. A term regulated only for meats and poultry -- containing no artificial flavors, colors, or chemical preservatives -- and otherwise meaningless.
Some label terms, although truthful, have little or no real meaning, no standards for definition -- and a high potential to confuse consumers:
- Contains antioxidants
- Doctor-recommended
- Free-range (can mean anything from an animal that roams freely to one that is let out of its cage from time to time)
- Green
- Immunity formula
- Kid-approved
- Made with whole grains
- May lower cholesterol
- Natural (for non-meat or -poultry products)
- Natural goodness
- No trans fat
- Non-toxic
- Parent-tested
- Strengthens your immune system