Label Lingo: How to Decipher Commonly Used Phrases on Food Labels
In partnership with: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
How well do you know what the labels on your food really mean? The food labeling process has changed significantly over the past few decades as farmers and manufacturers navigate new government regulations and consumer interests. With so many seemingly similar terms out there like “all-natural,” “organic,” “non-GMO” and more, it’s easy to get confused by the claims made on food packaging.
In Michigan, the Food and Dairy Division of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is responsible for assuring that food sold in the state is labeled correctly. Take a look at the following terms to learn more about the meanings behind some of the most common food labels found in grocery stores:
USDA Certified Organic
“Organic” is one of the most highly regulated words on food packaging. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic foods are grown in soil with no synthetic fertilizers and pesticides or other prohibited substances applied for a minimum of three years prior to harvest. For organic meat, federal regulations require that animals are fed 100% organic feed and forage, receive no antibiotics or hormones, and are raised in living conditions accommodating their natural behaviors. To obtain this certification on their products, farmers must document their processes and get inspected once a year.
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