Decoding Food Labels

The array of labels found on meat, shrimp, milk, and eggs can be overwhelming. From “free-range” to “natural” to “organic,” the food industry has responded to growing consumer concern about the safety and wholesomeness of our food with a growing number of claims about their products.

Labels are only meaningful if they are used in a consistent manner that is easy to understand. Unfortunately, the current rules on food labeling leave a lot of room for vague claims that make it difficult to differentiate between food produced by sustainable farmers and corporate agribusiness.

Interpreting Food Labels

Although buying local food directly from the farmer is ideal, most of us still buy our meat and dairy products at the grocery store. The array of labels found on meat, milk, and eggs can be overwhelming. Discover the meaning behind all of these labels in How Much do Labels Really Tell You?

Seafood Labeling

There are several labeling schemes around the globe providing certification of shrimp. Learn more about the meaning of the multitude of these labels in Shrimp Eco, Labels: What Do They Mean? When it comes to seafood in general,  most products are not labeled with the information you need. Know what questions to ask with our Seafood Buying Guide.

“Organic” Seafood?

Have you seen seafood labeled “organic” on restaurant menus, in stores and markets? Buyer beware — this “organic” probably doesn’t mean what you expect. Currently, there is no U.S. government-approved organic seafood. These products are often labeled as “organic” based on criteria set by a private certification company, or in accord with European standards. Neither of these usually equate to U.S. organic standards for other foods.