Category: Labeling

The global 'free-from' food market is experiencing significant growth, driven by an increasing number of consumers managing allergies, intolerances, or specific dietary choices. For these individuals, understanding the precise meaning behind a 'free from' claim on a food label is a crucial matter of health and safety.

In 2016, Applegate made a significant commitment to remove all GMO ingredients from their entire supply chain, a pledge that included switching to non-GMO animal feed. So, is Applegate bacon non-GMO? The answer largely depends on which Applegate product line you are buying, as their organic and natural lines have different standards.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is no official, regulated definition for the term "all natural" as it applies to dietary supplements. When used on a dietary supplement label, this term often serves as a marketing tool rather than a guarantee of product purity or safety, leaving consumers to navigate a complex landscape of claims.

Studies have shown that a significant portion of the population struggles to understand food labels, making it essential to learn how to interpret the various claims on food product labels. These voluntary statements, from nutritional content to health benefits, can be powerful marketing tools that range from highly regulated to loosely defined.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, approximately 32 million Americans live with food allergies, and navigating food labels is a daily necessity. The term "may contain" on food packaging is intended to alert consumers to a potential risk of cross-contamination, but it is not a guarantee of safety for those with severe allergies.

Over 70% of consumers believe 'natural' means a food contains no artificial ingredients. While the FDA has not developed a formal definition for the term 'natural,' it has a long-standing policy regarding its use on food labels.

The phrase "per package" is an important consumer detail, with nearly all pre-packaged consumer goods legally required to display nutritional information or weight specifications based on this standard. Understanding what is the meaning of per package is crucial for accurately interpreting product details, whether you're evaluating nutritional content, comparing retail pricing, or calculating shipping fees.

According to the USDA, over 90% of US-grown soybeans are genetically modified, which is a key reason that soybean oil is the primary bioengineered food ingredient in mayonnaise. While the use of bioengineered ingredients is widespread in the food industry, federal regulations now require clearer labeling for consumer transparency.

Despite common assumptions, a food product with a kosher certification is not guaranteed to be gluten-free. This critical distinction is important for anyone managing celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, as kosher dietary laws and gluten-free standards address different aspects of food production.

The moisture content in a product can drastically affect its nutritional profile; for instance, a canned pet food that is 75% moisture will show a much lower percentage of protein on its label compared to a dry food, even if the actual nutrient levels are similar. This is because the phrase "on an as-fed basis" refers to the nutrient concentrations of a food as it is served, including all of its water content.