The Role Of Food Labels: Decoding Eco-Friendly Labels
In today's world of food choices, navigating through the array of labels can be overwhelming. From organic to non-GMO, fair trade to cage-free, each label carries significance and implications for both our health and the environment. Discovering the meaning behind some of the most common food labels can empower you with the knowledge and make informed, sustainable food choices.
Here’s a quick guide to the meaning behind some common food labels.
Organic labels:
Organic
Must contain at least 95% organic ingredients
No synthetic growth hormones
No antibiotics
No pesticides
No biotechnology
No synthetic ingredients or irradiation
Made with organic ingredients
70% organic ingredients
Produced without synthetic methods
Can’t use the organic logo or the claim “organic”
Non-GMO labels:
Grown without using genetic engineering
Verified by Non-GMO Project but label is not necessarily totally reliable
The use of toxic herbicides has increased since GMOs were introduced
Fairtrade:
Workers must receive fair wages
Safe and equitable working conditions
The right to join trade unions
Child or forced labour is completely prohibited
Crops must be grown, produced and processed in a manner that supports social development, economic development and environmental development
5 most common GMO crops:
Corn
Soybeans
Potatoes
Canola
Sugar beets
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