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:
Non-GMO
GMO stands for genetically modified organisms, which are defined as plants, animals or microorganisms where the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. GMOs are not currently labeled in the United States; however, foods labeled non-GMO must contain less than 1% genetically modified ingredients.
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