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Tag: Labeling standards

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

What Does 9 Mean on Food Labels and Produce Stickers?

3 min read
According to the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS), a five-digit price look-up (PLU) code starting with '9' on a fruit or vegetable sticker indicates that the produce is organic. This simple digit can help consumers make informed decisions about their food choices directly in the produce aisle.

Does Organic Mean Without Hormones? What You Need to Know

5 min read
According to the USDA, certified organic livestock must be raised without antibiotics and growth hormones. This means that for animal products like meat and dairy, the "organic" label is a reliable indicator that no added synthetic hormones were used, which directly answers the question: does organic mean without hormones?

What does the USDA label mean? A Guide to Organic, Grading, and Other Certifications

4 min read
According to the USDA, certified organic food sales exceeded $45 billion in 2017. Understanding what does the USDA label mean is crucial for consumers, as the agency oversees a variety of symbols, grades, and claims that signify everything from production methods to quality standards. These labels are not created equal, and knowing the difference can empower you to make more informed purchasing decisions.

What Does VG Mean in Food? Decoding the Label

5 min read
On many popular restaurant menus and food delivery services, the dietary tag VG is used to denote that a meal is vegan. For consumers with dietary restrictions, understanding what does VG mean in food is essential, especially given that this abbreviation can have multiple meanings depending on the context.

Very Low Gluten Products and the 150 Parts Per Million Myth

4 min read
According to European regulations, the maximum gluten content for a product labeled "very low gluten" is 100 parts per million (ppm). Therefore, the claim that very low gluten products can contain 150 parts of gluten per million is false. This common misconception highlights the critical importance of understanding food labeling standards, especially for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Is All Organic GMO Free? Decoding the Label for Conscious Consumers

4 min read
The USDA National Organic Program strictly prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in organic products. This raises the question, is all organic GMO free in every real-world scenario? While the standard sets a clear rule, the nuances of cross-pollination and trace contamination add complexity for consumers navigating food labels.

Which nutrition score is best? A definitive guide

5 min read
According to the World Health Organization, unhealthy diets are a major contributor to chronic diseases globally, making nutrition scores an increasingly common sight on packaged foods. However, navigating these varied labeling systems to determine which nutrition score is best can be challenging for consumers.

How Are GMO Fruits Labeled? A Consumer's Guide to USDA Rules

3 min read
Since 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has required labels on foods that are bioengineered (BE), a term for genetically modified organisms. Navigating how are GMO fruits labeled involves recognizing this mandatory disclosure and understanding its key exemptions and optional verification programs.

How Accurate Do Nutrition Labels Have to Be?

2 min read
According to the FDA, nutrition labels can be inaccurate by up to 20% for certain nutrients like calories. Understanding how accurate do nutrition labels have to be is crucial for anyone monitoring their diet for weight management, allergies, or chronic health conditions. This guide will explain the regulatory tolerances and why discrepancies occur.