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:
All-Natural
Foods labeled as all-natural must contain no artificial colors, flavors or synthetic ingredients whatsoever. These products are only minimally processed or processed in a way that does not fundamentally alter the product. The label must also include a statement explaining the meaning of the term “natural” in relation to the specific product, as meaning can vary depending on the item.
See more: Ensuring Michigan Food Safety
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