Organic, Non-GMO, Sustainable…Oh My

Your Food Labels Cheat Sheet

Is your grocery store flooded with overwhelming information? This avocado says organic, this tomato was grown on a sustainable farm, and this box of nuts has a non-GMO symbol on the front. It can be hard to decipher what each of these indicator words really mean. To make sure you are making the best decision for you and your health, we made a cheat sheet for you.

Organic

Organic food products are regulated by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). Topics such as soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed controls, as well as other additives follow specific guidelines. Organic farmers rely heavily on natural and biologically based processes to grow their food. Produce can be called organic if it’s certified to have grown on soil that had no prohibited substances applied for three years prior to harvest. But when packaged foods indicate that they are “made with organic [insert food here],” that means that at least 70% must contain organically produced ingredients. Which means 30% of the ingredients do not have to follow the guidelines.

NON-GMO

GMOs, “genetically modified organisms” have altered genetic makeup to contain a specific trait. For example, one trait is resistance to pests. Foods that contain GMOs do not have to specify that they are included in their food products, except in Vermont. Organic foods cannot contain GMOs. When you see products with a “Non-GMO” symbol, that is a completely voluntary program on behalf of each food company.

All Natural

It is easy to mix-up “All-Natural” and “Organic,” but they are very different indeed. To be an “All-Natural” product, nothing about the raising of the crops or animals is regulated. All-natural just means no synthetic ingredients were added to the foods. Natural foods are not as closely regulated as organic products.

Sustainable

Though not as common as the others, sustainable practices for farming and producing food are climbing to new heights. Sustainable agriculture focuses on the long-term effects of farming practices. To say you are a sustainable farm means that you examine the quality of water used closely, minimize pollution, promote biodiversity and maintain healthy soil.

It is important to be aware of the farming practices and methods that go into producing our favorite foods. The way we eat and the types of foods available to us is always evolving. When you stay informed of new practices and regulations you are placing the power of your health into your own hands.