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Category: Food standards

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

What are prohibited substances for organic farming and processing?

4 min read
According to USDA regulations, any land used for organic crop production must be free of prohibited substances for a full three years before the first organic harvest. This extensive article details what are prohibited substances for organic operations in farming, livestock, and food processing.

Is food in Europe healthier than in the US?

5 min read
According to the World Health Organization, obesity rates in the US are significantly higher than in most European countries, fueling a popular theory that food in Europe is healthier than in the US. But is this anecdotal observation supported by scientific evidence and regulatory differences, or are other factors at play? The answer lies in a complex mix of food production standards, cultural eating habits, and public health policies.

Understanding Why Whole Foods Doesn't Sell Red Bull

5 min read
According to Whole Foods' official website, the company has banned over 300 ingredients from the food it sells in its stores, a policy that directly explains why popular energy drinks like Red Bull are missing from its shelves. This decision is rooted in the company's long-standing commitment to offering natural and organic products to its health-conscious customer base.

Yes, some Applegate chicken is organic, but how do you know?

4 min read
According to the USDA, meat labeled 'Organic' must meet strict federal standards regarding feed, living conditions, and farming practices. This fact helps answer the question: Is Applegate chicken organic? The answer is nuanced, as the brand offers both distinct 'Organic' and 'Natural' product lines.

Is everything at Thrive Market clean?

4 min read
According to Thrive Market's own standards, the company restricts over 500 ingredients you won't find in any product they sell. But does this policy mean everything at Thrive Market is clean? The answer is nuanced and depends heavily on how you define "clean" and which products you examine.

What Qualifies a Product as Organic?

4 min read
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), organic agriculture has seen rapid growth, evolving into a multi-billion dollar industry. To qualify a product as organic, it must be produced through a system that integrates cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster ecological balance and conserve biodiversity. This distinction is regulated by strict standards and third-party certifications that ensure integrity from farm to table.

Does Australia use cal or kJ? Decoding nutritional energy labels

3 min read
In 1988, Australia officially adopted kilojoules as the standard metric for measuring food energy, replacing the traditional calorie system. This transition was part of the national metrication process, making kilojoules (kJ) the legally required unit for all packaged food and menu labelling, although the term 'calories' is still frequently used in conversation.

Can Pork Be Organic? Understanding the Certified Organic Standards

4 min read
According to the USDA, meat bearing the Certified Organic label must come from animals raised in conditions that accommodate their natural behavior and are fed 100% organic feed. This comprehensive approach to animal husbandry and sustainability applies directly to pork production, making certified organic pork a distinct and regulated product in the meat market.