Being an ethical and health-conscious consumer can be unfortunately difficult if you haven’t done a fair amount of research. With a seemingly unlimited number of labels and certifications plastered all over food packages, it’s not always easy to determine what they actually mean. Some argue food labels should be more consumer-friendly and easier to understand — but until then, it’s always best to utilize a variety of resources to look into companies and organizations yourself in order to know more about the foods you’re consuming. Here are a few bits of information regarding some of the most popular certifications to help start your research.
USDA Organic
Perhaps one of the most well-known labels, the USDA Organic label is actually a part of a program created by Congress in 2001 in order to create and utilize “uniform national standards,” according to the USDA. In order to use the seal, companies must go through an approval process to ensure that the standards are met. Products must be grown and processed organically and comprised of certain allowed substances, all of which must be verified by the USDA. However, some non-organic and non-agricultural substances may be used depending on the materials.
Where you can learn more: www.usda.gov/topics/organic
Non-GMO Project
“GMO” refers to a genetically modified organism, or an organism that has been altered genetically for a purpose, such as larger crop yield or resistance to certain pests, among many other reasons. Some of these modifications, however, have come under scrutiny, which is where the Non-GMO Project comes in. The organization is a nonprofit committed to “preserving and building sources of non-GMO products” and other purposes, according to their mission. The certified products go through testing to ensure they meet standards to avoid GMOs.
Where you can learn more: www.nongmoproject.org/
Fair Trade
The Fair Trade Certification stems from a movement of the same name that is committed to “putting people and planet first,” according to Fair Trade USA. Fair trade refers to ethically sourced and made products. In a global market that often exploits and mistreats workers to create products that are cheaper and faster to produce, the certification puts an emphasis on income sustainability, empowerment and other values, designed to ensure the suppliers are respected and safe.
Where you can learn more: www.fairtradecertified.org/
Rainforest Alliance
This certification extends beyond just food and can be applied to farms, forests or tourism companies. The seal is given to show that the product or industry meets the standards of the “three pillars of sustainability:” environmental, social and economic, as decided by the Rainforest Alliance. The green frog depicted on the seal was chosen because of its status as a “symbol of environmental health.”
Where you can learn more: https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/
Certified Vegan, Gluten-Free, Keto and other certifications
For those who are vegan, gluten-free, keto or have any other dietary restrictions or preferences, certifications may be an easy way to understand the ingredients in a product. Some of these seals, especially vegan or gluten-free, can be found on other products as well, such as cosmetics or hygiene products. While the actual standards and processes might be different depending on the certification, doing background research can help clarify exactly what the seal stands for.
Where you can learn more:
Photo: M. Rinka
