“Natural”
This time period was as soon as open to interpretation, however the strict Nationwide Natural Program certification course of has been ruled by the U.S. Division of Agriculture (USDA) since 2001. For a product to win a USDA Natural label, no less than 95 p.c of its elements will need to have been grown or processed with out most artificial fertilizers or pesticides, amongst different requirements. The Made With Natural Substances label implies that a minimal of 70 p.c of elements — however not all — meet the usual.
Observe that many natural meals are imported from nations the place air pollution shouldn’t be as regulated and so can comprise heavy metals and different toxins. Additionally, USDA natural certification is time-consuming and costly; some small farms could produce natural meals however not be capable of afford the certification course of.
And “natural” doesn’t essentially imply wholesome: Natural cookies, chips, and extra can nonetheless be loaded with sugar, salt, and unhealthy fat. It additionally doesn’t imply a product was humanely produced.
This was excerpted from “Tips on how to Learn Deceptive Meals Labels” which was printed within the July/August 2022 difficulty of Expertise Life.
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