Other Important Food Labeling Terms
Gluten Free – this label means the food does not contain:
Any type of wheat, rye, barley or crossbreeds of these grains;
Any ingredient derives from these grains, or
20 parts per million of gluten.
Natural – BEWARE – this means nothing! High Fructose Corn Syrup is labeled as all natural. There are no official standards or definitions for the label Natural.
Organic – Get ready – this is long list and you need to know what all these terms mean. First of all the FDA has official definition for organic. The Department of Agriculture has established the meaning and the standards that products must meet in order to be labeled organic.
Organic products must meet the following requirements:
Must be produced without excluded methods – such is genetic engineering, ionizing, radiation or sewage sludge.
They must be produced per the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.
They must be overseen by the USDA National Organic Program – authorized certifying agent, following USDA organic regulations.
The 3 types of organic labels and what they mean:
1 - 100% Organic –
All ingredients must be certified organic.
Any processing aids must be organic.
Product labels must state the name of the certifying agent on the information panel.
2 - Organic –
All agricultural products must be certified organic except where specified on the National List.
Nonorganic ingredients are allowed per the National List may be used, up to a combined total of 5% of nonorganic content.
Product labels must state the name of the certifying agent on the information panel.
3 - Made with Organic Ingredients –
At least 70% of the product must be certified organic ingredients.
Any remaining agricultural products are not required to be organically produced, but they must be produced without excluded methods.
Nonagricultural products must be specifically allowed on the National List.
Product labels must state the name of the certifying agent on the information panel.
In my opinion, the most important part of the food label is the ingredient list. How do you interpret this list? First, note that ingredients in food are listed in decreasing order by their weight in the product. This means that ingredients at the top of the list are most plentiful.
If a product claims to be whole grain – then whole wheat flour (or another whole grain) should be the first ingredient on the list.
Beware of Multigrain foods. This label simply means there is the presence of different grains in the product. Many multigrain bread products add caramel coloring to make them look whole-wheat. They also do not contain nearly as much dietary fiber as the whole grain counterparts.
Beware of hidden sugar in your foods! Sugar may be down in the ingredient list – however there are many forms of sugar and they can all add up to be the number one ingredient.
Also, if you ever have question, please do not hesitate to all or me!
Sincerely, Your health coach,
Ally
Reference – Idea Food and Nutrition Tips – November December 2013
ACE Lifestyle and Weight Management Manual Second edition