12 November 2020

USDA Food labels - NATURAL

As of 2015, according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards, the term "natural" means that no artificial colors, flavors, or other synthetic ingredients have been added. These FDA standards are not enforced. The USDA, however, does regulate the use of the natural label on meat and poultry products.

USDA Food labels - NUTRITION FACTS

Federal law requires certain foods to bear this label. While it is up to the food companies to accurately list nutrient content and ingredients, the government performs random tests to verify that companies are following the rules and regulations.

USDA Food labels - THIRD-PARTY

Some food label claims may be misleading. Labels such as "free range," for example, may imply that hens are raised outdoors, whereas the reality may be that they have only limited access to a small outdoor area. Looking for claims that have been certified by a third-party organization is a step in the right direction for consumers. Some of these certifiers have websites or contact information. The label pictured here shows the "Certified Humane" logo, as well as the certifiers website.

'traffic light' labelling system

System for labeling food in the UK - thetraffic light labeling system will tell you whether a food has high, medium or low amounts of fat, saturated fat, sugars and salt. It will also tell you the number of calories and kilojoules in that particular product.

USDA Food labels - ORGANIC

This label means the food was mostly produced without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets rules for the methods and materials allowable under the label. For example, these rules generally prohibit the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers on certified organic farmland. To use the organic label, food manufacturers must use a certain percentage of organic ingredients. USDA-accredited organizations verify whether farms and other businesses follow the rules.

USDA Food labels - INGREDIENTS

This list is always found near the nutrition label. Items in the ingredients list must be listed in descending order by weight. For example, the first ingredient listed on a box of corn flakes is milled corn.

availability

Time frames that a person or thing is available

frazzled

exhausted and anxious; overwhelmed by stress

watershed

means the time when TV programmes which might be unsuitable for children can be broadcast

conflate

mix together different elements

alongside

next to someone or something or at the same time

abrupt

sudden and unexpected

buy one get one free

the price of the product you pay for is inflated to cover the cost of the "free" product