“Natural”
This time period was as soon as open to interpretation, however the strict Nationwide Natural Program certification course of has been ruled by the U.S. Division of Agriculture (USDA) since 2001. For a product to win a USDA Natural label, at the least 95 % of its substances will need to have been grown or processed with out most artificial fertilizers or pesticides, amongst different requirements. The Made With Natural Components label implies that a minimal of 70 % of substances — however not all — meet the usual.
Observe that many natural meals are imported from international locations the place air pollution shouldn’t be as regulated and so can comprise heavy metals and different toxins. Additionally, USDA natural certification is time-consuming and costly; some small farms might produce natural meals however not have the ability to afford the certification course of.
And “natural” doesn’t essentially imply wholesome: Natural cookies, chips, and extra can nonetheless be loaded with sugar, salt, and unhealthy fat. It additionally doesn’t imply a product was humanely produced.
This was excerpted from “How one can Learn Deceptive Meals Labels” which was revealed within the July/August 2022 problem of Expertise Life.
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