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:
Locally Grown
There is no official definition or certification process for the terms “local” or “locally grown” on food labels; however, this term usually appears on food that was produced within a certain distance of where it is sold. Foods labeled as locally grown typically travel less distance from farm to plate compared to other options. Buying food labeled as local can help reduce carbon emissions from transportation and support farmers in your area.
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