We may spend a lot of time, effort and money to purchase “healthy” food while in truth this food may not actually be any different than the less expensive counterpart.
When shopping today, it is not easy to know if the food you are buying is what you think. Or it might be hard to find food that meets your needs. There are numerous certifications on food labels that are suppose to help us decipher difference in the food we buy. Yet some just add to the confusing, often misleading our purchase choice.
BEWARE NOT ALL LABELS ARE MEANINGFUL
For example, we might buy free range eggs which gives us the image of chickens running around outside in grassy fields. However, Free range animals can live in conditions such as these:
And may have access to outdoor conditions like this
In order for an egg to develop the health benefits, a chicken needs to be in the sun, eating grass and insects. The label only specifies that animals have access to an outdoor area. It does not specify the conditions of the area or how often the animal has access.
Did you know that our organic certification allows some synthetics and the use of vaccines from genetically modified organisms?
I shop at the farmers market for most of my food so I can have a direct conversation about how my food was grown or raised. I can also save money buying food that is grown sustainably but may not have the organic certification. In the News and Articles link is a list of questions to ask vendors at the farmers market to find “clean” food. See How to Shop at the Farmers Market Guide.
To find clean food that cannot be purchased at the farmers market:
- Know what you want (non-gmo, no pesticides or chemical fertilizers, nothing artificial…)
- Understand the terms, labels and certifications
- Greener choices is a great web-site to help you find meaningful labels
- Call a company and ask them about their practices
- Use the Buycott app (a free app that you use to scan items as you shop)
When I buy eggs in the grocery store, I am looking for pasture raised eggs such as those provided by Vital Farms. Some of the certifications I look for are Animal Welfare Approved, American Grassfed and B Corporation.
It was quite shocking for me to realize the truth of the certifications. I think people nowadays are more aware of the healthy food choices, and they are really trying to make a change by purchasing food that they believe are "healthy." However, the certifications and food labels can mislead people because the regulations of those certifications are often too generic. From the presentation of one of the representatives from Vital Farms, I realized that the "free range" requirement is only 2 sq. ft. per bird while "pasture raised" requirement is 1000 birds per 2.5 acres and the field must be rotated. I think it is very important to educate ourselves about all these certifications and food labels, so we can make a conscious, educated choice rather than being misled by false marketing. I think the Buycott app is one of the helpful tools to make a conscious and ethical choice, and I believe everyone should be more interested in where their foods come from and how their foods were "really" made. I am also interested in knowing more about food labels on meat and learning what is the best way to purchase meat.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to food, labels have always been a confusing thing to me. I want to purchase the right thing so labels such as "organic" and "free-range" have always been the things I look for when I buy eggs. It came to a huge surprise to me when I found out what the exact standards of "space" for chickens that make these "free-range" eggs. I had an entirely different image of what that was and the reality definitely does not meet my standards. Knowing this new information has made me more aware of the effect of labels and the truth behind them. I will definitely use the buycott app from now on so I have the proper knowledge on certain labels and companies. This app will help me support the companies that produce food the ways I actually agree with.
ReplyDeleteLearning about how chickens are raised is not what I expected it to be. It saddens me to see the photos of the chickens all grouped together in small spaces. They looked stressed out and if it were me I would be so claustrophobic . When I do my shopping at the grocery store I tend to trust the labels that are printed on the foods. I thought that when it says “organic” or “ USDA approved” I could trust it to be a quality product, but I guess just because the lines of what is a quality product are blurred because I thought the USDA would have higher standards. I was glad that he guest speaker from Vital Farms was in our class last week. He was very informative and I learned a lot about what the correct free-ranged chickens meant. I feel that I am more trusting of this company the eggs their chickens produce.
ReplyDeleteYes this why we want to look for pasture raised.
DeleteThis course continues to amaze me as we learn more about holding a sustainable life style. It is unfortunate that the government does not regulate the terms hused, such cage free, organic, and free range. In reference to last week’s presentation about Vital-Farm I realized the innovative idea of pasteurized eggs and butter is great and more people should become informed. I have not personally had the opportunity to try these products but I will now consider the option since I earned a coupon and free t-shirt. I do not shop much in farmers markets but I would soon like to transition my life style and support local farmers. When shopping at the stores we should go for pasture raised and organic products. Before purchasing any product make sure to create an account in Buycott app. This app will become an essential tool for researching products and the companies that produce them. The app will also include any associated companies and from then on you can choose to shop according to your own personal values and standards. The app is simple to navigate and will expand your knowledge over the products you are shopping for. -Eddie Gonzalez
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ReplyDeleteWhen I shop at grocery stores, I am always confused and not sure about labeling. I have heard "Organic" has 4 different levels like 100% organic, organic (at least 95%), made with organic ingredients (at least 70%), and specific organic ingredients (less than 70%). If we don't know about this, we could spend more money on foods that are not 100% organic. Labeling is very important and to get educated is more important for you and for you family. Same thing foe egg too. Chicken might be grown in a limited and crowded area where they cannot move freely. I think it is cruel and immoral too. Those farmers treat chickens as if they are "things". USDA also need to investigate farms again to identify and make changes for clearer labeling for consumers.
ReplyDeleteThose chickens grown in overcrowded conditions can still earn the organic label. Organic refers to what they are fed not how they are raised.
DeleteI completely agree with you about being confused on the labels! This is why I have taken the initiative to go on the link Libby provided to learn more about it. I actually had no idea about the different levels of products being organic.. that's insane. It also blows my mind how chickens grown in overcrowded conditions can STILL earn the organic label. I think this completely throws people off because the term organic just gives the impression to consumers that it means "good" or "healthy" for you.
Delete- Stephanie Phu
I've always been accutely aware of the poor conditions that these hens are living in but never understood the difference between "cage free," "organic, " "pasture raised," etc. Since taking this course & learning a lot about the food industry, I've started to buy my eggs from the farmer's market and the difference is incredible! Healthy hens really do produce better eggs. I don't think I'll ever go back to buying my eggs from the super market but if I do, I am going to keep an eye out for labeling and make sure I pick the right ones - pasture raised, organic, & non-gmo please!
ReplyDeleteThis course is teaching me the benefits of trying to make better decisions when purchasing the foods and it is teaching to become aware of the labels on many things. I did not know about the different conditions that free range and cage free chickens lived in. While it is unfortunate that most of the large supermarkets sell products of eggs of chickens that life in bad conditions I can say that I have tried them both the supermarket eggs and the farmers market eggs and I do not like the farmers market eggs. It sickens me to think of how process the eggs that I am eating are but I do not have a taste for any other and I have tried several times. I think sometimes no matter how sustainable, organic or green we try be if our taste buds don't like that particular product we can't really force ourselves to like them. I do think that labels should be regulate more than they are because if you are buying a product that you think contains no GMO's you should be able to get a product that it is true to its labeling.
ReplyDeleteI have been aware of the labeling on eggs when they say cage free or free range. For a long time I did not fully understand the differences between cage free and free range. All the eggs I see are labeled cage free or free range when I go to the grocery store. With my knowledge I have now, I shop at the farmer's market and can definitely see the difference in the taste and size. It is a drastic difference and is definitely worth the price to pay more for better, nutrient-dense eggs.
ReplyDeleteI feel as if I am constantly learning more and more about the world in this class. I knew that chickens were not held in the greatest conditions, however, I did not know that the packaging specified just what kind of treatment they have. I always see these terms such as "cage free" or "free range" but never associated the phrases with meaning anything significant. Now, however, I am happy to say that that is no longer the case and that I have the correct knowledge of this terminology for when I go shopping for groceries next.
ReplyDeleteI feel as if I am constantly learning more and more about the world in this class. I knew that chickens were not held in the greatest conditions, however, I did not know that the packaging specified just what kind of treatment they have. I always see these terms such as "cage free" or "free range" but never associated the phrases with meaning anything significant. Now, however, I am happy to say that that is no longer the case and that I have the correct knowledge of this terminology for when I go shopping for groceries next.
ReplyDeleteI never wanted to believe it, but labels aren't all that they say. Honestly when something said "cage free", i would picture them running around and living the life these animals should. Understanding the label is just a short sentence of how the food is raised, you need to truly ask, "Is this food clean? Is the food raised how they say it is?" Now reading over this post and learning little more about the labels, as well as reading other articles I am starting to wonder why is it so hard to do things so healthy or come clean with the truth. Obviously it could ruin business but changing the way can also build the business as well. At least now when I go grocery shopping I can ask myself these questions and feel better about the food I'm purchasing.
ReplyDeleteI knew that there was a problem with the regular foods we find at the market such as eggs and milk. It seems as though this knowledge of the poor conditions animals have been subject to is becoming more apparent all the time as more and more people share their knowledge and experiences with seeing these conditions, seeing why they are bad for the animals, environment, and us as humans. This closed systems approach to farming (meaning the producer only focuses on the inside facets of their business) often ends up backfiring and hurting someone along the line.
ReplyDeleteI wasn’t really invested in finding these things out until a few months ago because I thought it was better to live in ignorance...I thought ignorance was cheaper. I didn’t even know what GMOs were or what cage free means. I have recently learned that I was wrong! Buying things at locally grown markets and farms is not only affordable, but better for the environment, your community, and your body. Jamie Oliver talks about this in his award winning Ted Talk speech.
From firsthand experience, I think it’s safe to say that our communities aren’t educated on the resources they have available to them, let alone the repercussions for their actions (or lack there of) when buying into big businesses and not aiming to eat sustainably. In his speech, Jamie talks about how families and communities need to be educated on sustainable living and buying. I think this parallels this blog post because it shows that local really is the best way to go more often than not. Even when you think you’re buying something “cage-free” or non-GMO, the conditions that animal was raised in may still not be to the healthy criteria it should be to produce to its full potential and to give our bodies the nutrients that it would under favorable conditions.
It's really heartbreaking to see how even "cage free" chickens aren't what we really think they are. A label can really twist up the truth. As a current chicken owner, seeing those tight spaces for the chickens to roam in does not at all look like a beneficial way to produce healthy eggs. While I now have my own organic eggs that I can rely on to be healthy and fresh, I'm glad I now know that "pasture raised" is the label I want to be on the lookout for. If only more people were more aware so we could support "pasture raised" chickens versus "cage free".
ReplyDeleteI am aware that big companies like Tyson and Foster claim that the chicken they raised is non-GMO. However, that may not be all true. I've seen a documentary where farmers did not care about the animals they were raising. The pictures you posted on your blog reminded me of the documentary because the truth is "cage free" might not be as free you many of us think. These situations also relate to other animals that we humans consume. For example, cows are also a big controversy because of meat lovers love beef and all the dairy products that we put out in the market. There are arguments about whether how the cows are being raised and how a cow's diet can affect the meat quality and the milk they produce. Many farms claim that they feed cows grass and not hay. However, once again, it may not be so true. There are smaller companies that claim their cows are raised on grass. Those companies believe that the meat quality is different when cows are raised on the correct diet, which is grass. Whenever I went to grocery shopping, I see that there is a lot of organic option now. Although big companies claim that the product they are selling is organic, you can not exactly trust them. I believe that your advice on shopping at the farmers market is a better option is good because you get to know the farmer itself and ask them questions on how they grow their food.
ReplyDeleteI find this post to be very important for people to know because it is very true that a lot of people are unaware of what is really in the food thats being purchased, along with the treatment of the food before it ends up in stores. I think that the treatment of animals, or foods that everyday people eat harms us and the animals because it is not healthy for either of us. When chickens are stacked wing to wing and beak to beak in a warhorse, they start getting sick ad those are the eggs that are being eaten which can then make us sick. Ive never considered going to markets or stores that have greater knowledge about the source of their food, but after reading this post and after learning that a lot of stores have false advertisement when it comes to foods encourages me to be more cautious about what foods and brands I'm buying.
ReplyDelete- Jheanine Carlyle
I agree to this post when it talks about buying healthy food is not easy because I can relate to that. I am almost always always hearing different things on what is healthy and what is not. I have also seen how even the food labels are tricky on purpose so people will buy them regardless. As this post states the eggs at the market may say free range eggs but we do not exactly know the conditions the chickens are in. How can people eat healthy food of the suppliers look for what benefits them and not the consumers? I feel like it is hard to know what to believe when even the food labels make it seem like their product is healthy. Thanks to this post where you post tips and references to actually know what to look for at the farmers market. Also thanks to the class I am currently taking at CSULB, HFHM 370, which is about exploring a sustainable food system I will be able to continue to getting informed about what is best to consume and where to purchase sustainable food. It is interesting that there is farmers market, I did not know that was a better option to but groceries. This makes me think about how many people are not informed about this so that we can boycott the non sustainable foods. You give good advice on this and it makes it easier to understand. Thank you for this eye opener! It motivates me to change my eating lifestyle and care more about what I am consuming.
ReplyDelete- Jailane Lopez
When I first realized that the labels we see in stores that claim to be healthier or kinder to the environment may not be what they claimed I was shocked. As I got older and became more aware of how our consumption effects our health and environment I began purchasing food that was labeled organic and pastured raised. It is quite unfortunate that there aren’t better restrictions when it comes to labeling and that FDA can change the restrictions when they want making labeling of food ‘Organic’ or ‘Free range’ a grey area for consumers. Now as consumers we are made to research our products to truly know where they are sourced and how they are sourced, but for someone like me who likes to research products its not a huge inconvenience for me but for someone who doesn’t have the time it can be a bit of a drag. Now my concern is trying to find clean food on a college students budget, because sometimes I have to opt for the less expensive option due to finances and it would be awesome to eat clean but also not spend such a large amount.
ReplyDelete-Monica Lagunas
I am an egg lover and I purchase eggs on a regular basis. However, I do not know much about what kind of eggs I should buy and consume. To me, everything that is organic is healthy. I always try to buy organic eggs thinking that the eggs I buy are raised naturally. I am very surprised to know that the USDA allow organic food be certified as organic when synthetics and vaccines from genetically modified organism are used on the food. I also do not know much about free range and pasture raised eggs. These added terms on the labeling are just a method to leading consumer into thinking their food are produced in a moral way and are packed with healthy nutrients. Before, I did not know about this matter but now that I know the low standards of organic food in the United States is, I will never look for USDA choice on the label but look for American grass fed or Animal welfare approved.These labels can prove that the food you purchased is clean food that do not have any use of pesticide, synthetics, or genetically modified. Due to the focus on agricultural intensification to maximize profits, farms will most likely not raise their eggs free range and organic that is free of harmful things that can degrade the quality nutrients of the eggs. I think it is very important for everyone to know what it organic and free range eggs mean. The government should also set higher standards for food with labeling that can be misunderstood as high quality and healthy.
ReplyDeleteBY: Jaynie Vo
When I moved out of my parents house I had to start doing my own groceries and I never knew that there would be so many different kinds of one product. When I saw the word organic I instantly think oh that is the best choice but after learning more and more about what is actually the better ones I started to notice the differences. I have always heard the term free range and pasture raised eggs but I never really knew the difference until reading this blog because I am not a huge fan of eggs. But I am surprised that the FDA will allow people to assume things that are not one hundred percent accurate. I feel like the FDA should have a better regulation when it comes to food because some people do not have the right knowledge of what is actually good for you and what is not. Right now I am a student at CSULB and if it was not for my food sustainability class and these blogs I probably would not think about what exactly I am consuming. Now when I go grocery shopping I am more aware of the products that I buy.
ReplyDelete-Christina O'Brien
I thought this was an excellent post because the average consumer is not fully educated on the litigation and technicalities of the labeling industry. It is foremost important that the consumer knows what they want. The difference between the terms "Pasteur raised" and "Cage Free" for example, is a small word difference with huge differences in the meanings. Personally, I have come a long way in understanding the meanings behind labels and am beginning to realize the importance of being at least fairly well educated when shopping. I hope to begin doing more shopping at local farmer's markets where I can discuss the origin of my produce face to face.
ReplyDeleteI thought this was an excellent post because the average consumer is not fully educated on the litigation and technicalities of the labeling industry. This post encourages consumers to identify and further expand their knowledge on the subtleties of food labeling laws. It is foremost important that the consumer knows what they want. The difference between the terms "Pasteur raised" and "Cage Free" for example, is a small word difference with huge differences in the meanings. Personally, I have come a long way in understanding the meanings behind labels and am beginning to realize the importance of being at least fairly well educated when shopping. I hope to begin doing more shopping at local farmer's markets where I can discuss the origin of my produce face to face. Although I do not eat meat, I am considering eating eggs again. With that said, I am considering it because I have learned how to differentiate between eggs procured in the conventional system, and those that are gathered from small, humane, sustainable farms, without the use of pesticides or antibiotics, Also, with Pasteur raised chickens, I can be sure that they are not being mistreated or kept in miserable conditions.
ReplyDelete-Jaden Wyszpolski
This post speaks loud to me. Whenever I was younger, and I was shopping with my mom, I would always walk around the outskirts of the store, only popping in to aisles when we needed baking products or frozen fruits. When I picked apples for her, she always said to get organic apples. All this was just words to me at the time, but now I am starting to learn the differences. She would always pick the Vital Farms eggs, ever since we were young. I would ask her questions about what cage free vs pasture raised was. She didn't always know the answer, but google was there to help and I started to understand why those specifications are important. When I went to live with my boyfriend, I carried those teachings with me. I would only buy eggs that were pasture raised, and I still do. But there are many people out there who have gone their whole lives not knowing what healthy food is.
ReplyDelete- Amber Maya
For a while now I've tried to be conscious of the type of meat and chicken products that I buy. Before I would think that a product labeled as grass fed, free range, or cage free were good. Wrong. I was almost there with buying grass fed products, but I have recently learned that the product must be grass fed and finished. The label that we really should be looking for is pasture raised. I recently volunteered for a company called Buy Ranch Direct, which is a family owned ranch in northern California. They offer sustainably raised, grass fed and finished beef, bison, pork, poultry, lamb, yak, and rabbit. Along with their bit exotic menu options, their products are nutrient dense and free from any chemicals or hormones. Not only am I now buying fully sustainable products, but it also tastes so much better. Being conscious of the products you buy is the first step, but educating yourself and learning the true healthier options is the next.
ReplyDelete- Carly Lynggard
As a consumer this is an alarming thought that goes through my head every time before I make a purchase. The first thing that comes to mind is whether the products we are buying are healthy, and do they live up to the expectations that they claim. Most importantly we need to ask ourselves if these healthy expensive products are being produced in a sustainable way that where it’s not harming the environment. After many discussions in my sustainable food system’s class I have learned that many farmers and big produce corporations can easily label a product organic, calorie free, zero sugar or dairy free. However, just because they claim these benefits it does not always necessarily mean it’s good for us. For example, a product that claims it’s dairy free does not always mean it’s a healthier alternative and that we should have it every day. A dairy free product can be beneficial, but it can also have other ingredients that are harmful, or the sugar intake can be higher. Another concept that many consumers believe is if we are shopping for produce that is more expensive it’s automatically healthier. As I’ve come to realize that is not always the case. It’s crucial that we understand where we put our dollar and what it’s giving us back in return.
ReplyDelete-Desiree Lopez
I didn't grow up eating food labeled "organic" because to my family that usually just mean it was more expensive, but as I am learning more about sustainability I want to put more of my focus on good things I should be putting into my body and not worry about the cost as much. Eating clean could even result in spending less overall because you are getting the nutrients your body needs and won't have to spend as much on quantity, but it's important to know if a product is truly what it says it is. Learning that I shouldn't trust all labels is new to me and I am training myself to be more skeptical of products and do more research. I want to go to more farmers markets and buy locally grown produce to support them, but also to ask how they grew their food or raised their animals because I now know that it's okay to ask lots of questions to ensure I am getting the good quality food my body deserves.
ReplyDelete- Sarah Skidmore
It is so crazy to see the amount of people who do not care or realize what type of food they are purchasing from the store. Typically they go with whatever is the cheapest or has the best value, which does not necessarily mean "healthy." That was my family growing up. We didn't have the expenses to buy foods that were labeled: organic, non-GMO, free-range, grass fed, etc. One, because it was rare to find in grocery stores at the time, and two, because seeing those labels just meant it was doubled or tripled in price compared to the items that didn't have them. As years pass by and I am becoming more knowledgeable, there are a plethora of grocery stores that carry all sorts of organic and sustainable foods now. I find myself becoming more cautious and aware of the products I purchase. I actually had no idea that the "free-range" labels for eggs and animals does not necessarily mean they are roaming free in an open area getting their vitamin D from sun or eating right. I definitely need to do more research in learning and understanding the labels and packaging. The link provided above is a great start for me. I also want to shop more at the farmers market so I can personally talk to the vendors and learn more about where and how my food is being grown! This post definitely opened up my eyes more about being more aware of food labels.
ReplyDelete- Stephanie Phu
I believe that it is very important for people to become aware of what they are purchasing and what they putting into their bodies. As I was growing up, my parents were not focused on all the nutritional facts about food, they were more focused on getting food on the table to fed their five children on the income of only one parent. Healthier food meant more expensive items so that was not always an option. Also knowledge is power, there is no way a person can be aware of what they are buying if they do not have the knowledge of what the differences are between the items. Also, not everyone has the privilege to learn about it. My parents do not speak English and do not know how to use a smart phone or access the internet, so it is especially hard for them to learn and become more aware of these food labels. It is unfortunate that the government does not play a bigger role in regulating the labels and making sure that what is put out in store meet these regulations. Not only should people become more aware of what they are consuming but also of what they are buying. I have began to volunteer at Fair Trade Long beach and it has become a very eye opening experience. It is teaching me about products that involve child labor in the production which are products that we should not be a part of. Fair Trade Long Beach is making an effort to normalize fair trade.
ReplyDelete- Natalie Santana
This is such an informative post! Consumers today should want to be more aware about the foods that that are buying to consume, whether it be just for them or also for their families. Growing up I never gave much thought or wanted to go in depth about what I was eating or how it was raised or grown. I knew that chickens laid the eggs I had for breakfast, and the vegetables that I loved to eat were probably grown on a farm somewhere. As I am getting older and becoming more self sufficient and independent, one of the biggest concerns in my life is taking care of my body, and one of the biggest factors for wanting to be as healthy as I can be is knowing about what I use to fuel it. Not only do I want to know that what I eat on a daily basis is healthy, but now a days I also want to know more about where exactly it came from, and how it was treated. As I've researched more about this topic, it is scary to know that companies can get away with so much when it comes to labeling their products. The concept of greenwashing comes to mind, and it's startling that so many people don't know what it is and are continuously being fooled and mislead by the "healthy" "organic" "NON GMO" items that they buy on a daily basis. This blog has once again opened my eyes to see the bigger truth behind the corruption of some companies tactics just to make a profit. This class has definitely helped me to change my lifestyle for the better, and for that I am so grateful. It has helped me to make wiser choices based on the knowledge I know now, and that can help me to also inform my family, friends, and other people as well. An egg may look like any other egg from the outside, but the process behind it can tell another story. I will strive to think twice about my purchases and make smarter decisions that can help my health in the long run. -Suzana Babic
ReplyDeleteLearning about what food labels actually mean is crazy important! People spend all kinds of money on what they think is organic or pasture raised, and unfortunately, a lot of times they are not getting what they think they are getting. I always know that my eggs are the real deal when they have a deep orange colored yolk. Chickens develop the orange yolk when they get vitamin D from sunshine and when they are able to graze on some grass as well. Vital Farms does a great job taking care of their chickens, and now you can even use the code on their egg cartons to track the chickens your eggs came from! Buying produce from farmers markets is also a great option because it gives you the chance to actually talk to the farmers about their growing practices, and will give you some piece of mind that you are getting clean, sustainable foods. If you feel like don’t have the budget to buy all organic, try to at least buy organic items when the food doesn’t have some sort of protective skin that you peel. For example, it would be more important to buy organic berries and apples, than it would be to buy organic oranges and bananas.
ReplyDeleteEmily Vinueza
ReplyDeleteReading the labels on products I buy is essential for me because I want to know exactly what I am putting in or on my body and how it was sourced. Often times, companies can be misleading with labeling and packaging to appeal to the consumer. In my sustainable foods class, we discussed Vital Farms pasture raised eggs and the Certified Humane label on all their cartons. Having this label means farmers follow standards for living conditions, transporting, and slaughter of animals in order to prevent animal cruelty. I live a vegan lifestyle, therefore am critical of Certified Humane and other labeling on Vital Farms products. I recently contacted Vital Farms asking about their beak trimming practices. Certified Humane does not allow debeaking, however beak trimming is allowed under certain circumstances. “Happy hens” is example of misleading labeling Vital Farms uses because how can farmers know their hens are happy? Are they happy going into a life that’s meant to end in a slaughterhouse? This saying on packaging creates an illusion to consumers to cover up killing them and help marketing. Another label put on packaging is Fair Trade. In my sustainable foods class, we are required to do service learning and I currently volunteer at Fair Trade Long Beach. Fair Trade Certification means a company supports equal pay, building communities, and protecting the environment. LARABAR, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Equal Exchange chocolate, Eco Bananas, Honest Tea, and Patagonia apparel are a few of the companies with the Fair Trade label. This is something I look for when shopping because I am supporting sustainable and ethical methods.
While growing up, my parents bought groceries that I thought were "good" for my siblings and me. As I got older, I realized that there were modified food and then organic foods. As I got a little older, I learned that there were more labels to describe the foods we purchased. Eggs were a product that surprised me the most. As the post states, there are free range eggs and pasture raised. I did not know the difference until I learned about the topic in my sustainable foods class. Chickens who are free range are not in cages, but they could still be cramped in a chicken coop with a lot of other chickens and not have a lot of space to go outside. I think the labels on food are helpful because most of the time, people would like to know how their food was raised before they purchase it.Along with this, I have been recently volunteering at various farmers market in the city of Long Beach. Farmers and vendors there can tell you themselves how their produce, vegetables, or other products they sell are grown or raised. When I do some grocery shopping, I try to buy foods that are labeled organic or have a fair trade label.
ReplyDeleteI thought that this post was eye opening and very informative. As a college student shopping at conventional grocery stores, I would have assumed that "cage free" meant that chickens were raised outside in the sun running around the grass field. I would never have imagined "cage-free" to mean something else. As a consumer, I feel somewhat deceived. One fact I know regarding seafood is that it is very hard to get certified such as the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) or (ASC). By knowing that, when I buy seafood, I can look for these certifications. However, that does not necessarily mean that the seafood is farmed or caught sustainably. I totally agree with Libby about how our best way to buy sustainably and organically is through farmers markets. We have first-hand access to speak to the farmers directly and get information on exactly how they run their business and sustainably farm. Not only is it nutritious for us, but we are also supporting small businesses. The label "cage-free" will actually mean cage-free. We are able to get fast information compared to large corporate companies like Tyson. In the future, I hope that the food and agriculture industry will implement change and is more transparent with the consumers. Iris Ahn
ReplyDeleteHello Libby, Thank you for that great post! My name is Mikayla Garcia and I’ve fallen victim many times to the pitfalls of misleading labels. As you mentioned the two labels I fell for and that my family and friends are currently being deceived by are ‘organic’ and ‘free range eggs.’ I knew that labels are producers' greatest marketing scheme, especially now that people are really trying to do their best to buy what would by all common sense seem healthy, but I did not know that ‘organic’ may include products made with synthetics or vaccines from genetically modified organisms. It is disheartening to learn this but nonetheless valuable information. But as I am sure you would agree, this information shouldn’t seem valuable or feel like privileged knowledge enclosed within a secret society, yet that is the reality of it. Unless otherwise told or actively searching for this obscure information the average person does not know about these false labels or frankly the facts about any of the food we put on our shelves week after week. Food education is something that is largely underrated but given the opportunity discussing food sparks the interests of many individuals. How could it not? Food is part of our everyday lives. Fueling us through all of life's joys and if not more importantly our challenges. In my class at Cal State University Long Beach, Exploring Sustainable Food Systems, I have had the chance to discuss matters relating to our class such as; food insecurity, nutrient dense food, local versus factory farming with my classmates and at some point or another no matter what each of us are majoring in there is always a level of relativity. Once we know, we care. The thing is we as citizens that do know must demand that some of the ambiguity surrounding our food be alleviated and the government enact regulations that keeps farms and companies accountable. Rather than the government being focused on profit and yield we as people must force them to switch the priorities to our health and right to know what exactly is in our stores and our stomachs or else ‘organic’ will really mean ‘evil.’
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in middle school taking a nutrition class, all I can remember learning most of is how to read food labels. But It mainly focus on reading the nutritional facts on the back. The teacher never didn't really mention what the organic label really meant. Taking the course Exploring Sustainable Food Systems in Cal State Long Beach really opened my eyes in seeing what labels, like cage free and grass feed, meant. As well as learning that the way animals are being raise impacts the nutrient content in the product. The problem with the labels is that there isn't much regulations or requirements in place, which makes it easy for companies to put these types of labels on their product. The goal being to conduct profit because most of the people buying these products (Me and the rest of my family included) aren't much aware of what the labels mean. In my case when I looked at products that said grass feed or cage free, I would think that it came from an actual farm where the animals are out in the pastures, not a factory farm.
ReplyDelete- Laura Montiel
I think it's awesome that you were introduced to reading food labels as young as middle school. Where I went to school, we weren't even offered a nutrition class and I wish I was able to take one.
DeleteI thought my name was attached!
Delete- Carly Sterbentz
Since entering college and beginning the process of grocery shopping for myself I have had to evaluate what is most important to me when it comes to purchasing food. I, very foolishly, am someone who has fallen for the misrepresented labels on eggs, chicken, fruits and vegetables. I am also the first to admit that I love convenience but reading this post has really opened my eyes. Eggs are the biggest staple in my diet and I have always chosen “cage free, organic,” and truly believing that was the best I could do. Reading this post made me realize I should be paying more attention to the origin of these eggs, and possibly considering going to my local farmers market as an alternative. By overlooking the conditions of these chickens and their eggs I am only hurting myself because the eggs aren’t gaining their full potential of nutrients in those harsh conditions. I can’t wait to share this post with my family and friends because I know it could really benefit them.
ReplyDelete-Claire Kirksey
I find this post interesting due to other possible technicalities but also very concerning to consumers who are unaware. Society’s voice has become louder about the conditions of our food and corporations have taken notice. Which is why they’re seeking any loophole for the chance to add a label to their product. Personally, had I little knowledge of the conditions required for an organic or free-range label to be met. Corporations really don’t care about the animals they just want the sales from the false yet technically correct label. Recently consumers have been acutely aware of searching for certain labels on product because of the conceived notion that it’s greater in nutrients. When in reality it may not be much more nutritious than regular eggs but still charged at a premium. It’s surprising to find out that labels aren’t more regulated by the USDA because organizations are deceiving the consumers which is highly unethical. Obviously not all products are deceitful but it is an issue in the industry and in the future it should be something to either be regulated or the labels could mean nothing as consumers become more educated about this.
ReplyDelete- Anthony Campos
Reading this post was very informative. Like many consumers I believe that because it says organic, it must mean that it is healthy. When, they are doing the bare minimum to get certified. Like the example that was given about the free-range chicken. Which does not fix the problem of holding these animals. The animals are still in a stressful situation because they are still being held in a confined space. Also, they are still not eating quality food. Which leads us to not getting the proper nutrients needed from us eating the meats. It’s very important that we get informed so we can be able to eat smart. Since clearly, there are loopholes that companies can take advantage from. This knowledge can helpfully show transparence within companies. So, they do not just care about making profit but the well-being of their consumers. Which overall would not just be helpful for organic people, but for everyone else that consumes that product.
ReplyDelete-Stacey Soltero
Gina Jacobson
ReplyDeleteAs a business major, I understand the position of companies to make a profit, however, I do not see it being effective if the product is detrimental to the wellbeing of its consumers. Food producers are culpable of mislabeling their goods in ways that will intrigue buyers into thinking their product is “healthy,” “sustainable,” “low-fat,” or “low-calorie.” These statements may be true, but it does not mean their alternative product is the better option. In an article written by Sally Fallon Morell, Beyond Meat burgers claim to be made with “healthy and natural products” and are plant-based. After reading the rest of the article, Sally and I concluded that Beyond Meat burgers are not what they claim on their packaging. If it is genetically modified or dubbed “lab-meat” it most definitely should not be up for human consumption or general production for that matter! We should include meat, eggs, poultry, and seafood in our diets, but we need to pay close attention to how they are raised. The closer we are to our food sources, the more we know about their ethical practices for humans and for the animals.
Well said! I agree the closer it is to nature the better it is for us and the environment!
DeleteGrowing up in a different country gave me the chance to understand the differences between food systems in different societies. I didn’t know anything about genetically modified food until I moved to California about 10 years ago. I remember quite well biting into a tomato or a radish and their flavors were so much bland. Back in my country the demand for food is not as high as here in USA so everything the farmers are growing is organic and it's not as expensive as it is here. Misleading health statements allowed by the FDA are concerning to me. Many products in the U.S are often labeled wrong. I recently found out the FDA as has no ability to give fines or recall food products from these companies for false claiming. The agency has the power to send warning letters to companies about false labels and guidelines. Sounds like an ineffective system to me. Something must change, congress needs to restructure the FDA. False, misleading and deceptive commercial speech is not protected by the constitution; therefore, penalties should be implemented for these violations.
ReplyDeleteBecoming vegan has opened my eyes not only about consuming less animal products, but also what the labels foods in general actually say. Just because foods have a label "free range" does not mean the environment is what us humans are thinking (chickens running roam-free on a big, grassy, harmful environment) even though the environment can actually live in conditions that are tight and closed with hundreds of other chickens. Part of being vegan too has taught me to read labels and know what chemicals are in foods and what is not in the food I purchase. Chickens, really all animals, need to live in environments that are not harmful that are ACTUALLY "free-range". Part of being a passionate plant-based advocate is voicing the concerns of what companies demonstrate. For example, sometimes I will tag the company if there are not proper ingredients labeled or how they use their money exactly (if incorrectly). Go to farmers market and ask the local farmer how the eggs were grown, how the chickens environment is, etc.
ReplyDeleteBeing a first generation American, of parents coming from a third world country, I have been tasked with the responsibility of learning and applying the wealth of nutritional knowledge I have accumulated throughout my schooling. It is thanks to posts such as these that I have begun to comprehend that a great majority of the labels in the supermarket are misleading and meant only for marketing purposes. For many in this country price is a bigger factor than nutritional content. As I have progressed in my education my eyes have opened to the fact the food system as it currently exist is unsustainable. Government subsidies make it so that a few specific crops are given preference in this country, conventional animal farming creates abhorrent conditions for the creatures to be slaughtered, governmental bodies treat the mass production of food with less regard as a necessity of life and more like a business. Until recently, nutrition has never really been a primary focus on a national level. Much of my family believe it pretentious the way some in this country have began treating food, counting calories and reading the fine print on labels, but this is rooted in a philosophy born of living the hardships of poverty. Another contributing factor to this outdated philosophy shared by many migrants such as my parents is the fact that back in their home countries they would farm their own produce, butcher their own meat, and create their own home made dairy products thus rendering food labels non-existent. Coming to the U.S where the entire food system is based in convenience rather than basic survival has necessitated a learning experience that I am proud to be a part of. My question to anyone reading this is could you share any similar experience of how the food system differs in the U.S. vs. a foreign country? How it is better, how is it worse? I will continue to better myself and my family through educated and measured eating practices so that our future generations don’t fall victim to the unbalanced and inefficient food system as it exists now.
ReplyDeleteI am a student at CSULB, and I am currently enrolled in a food sustainability class. Before this class, I never paid much attention to the quality verifying labels on my food. After learning more about how food is handled before it gets to my plate, I’ve become more interested in food labeling and what quality of food I am eating. The only labels I paid attention to were “Vegan” and “Organic.” I knew what it meant to eat vegan food, but I didn’t know exactly what it meant to eat organic food. I knew that organic food didn’t have GMOs or pesticides and used more sustainable practices such as rotating soil to maintain its quality. But when it came to the meat, milk, or egg products, I didn’t know the details. To my knowledge, I thought that just because something was organic, it meant that the animals were being raised like happy wild animals. I thought the animals were eating a healthy diet and able to roam free in vast valleys of green grass. Recently I found out that the organic label didn’t necessarily mean that was true. Although I do not eat meat, I still have eggs and dairy products. The quality of life that the animals live is crucial to me because I believe that eating a happy animal will make me happy as well (due to the chemicals that are in their body). I think it is essential for consumers to know what they are buying to support the businesses that best fit their values and morals. Whenever there is money to be made in an industry, it can be hard to fully trust what specific companies are doing and their intentions for “going green.” The certification labels shared in this post make it easier for the consumer to make accurately informed decisions. I now know that I have to search for pasture-raised food and possibly change where I shop to get the specific food I want. I have to ask questions and do my own research. I can also find other ways to access my preferred food, like create my own garden and plant vegetables and herbs in them. My grandma recently has gotten 5 chickens and has access to fresh eggs every day. I’m so excited to have those eggs available for me!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you mentioning in the first sentence that people spend a lot of time, effort and money to have access to “healthy” food. It makes a point that there is tremendous pressure on people to be healthy but healthy food isn’t accessible to the majority. Also the acknowledgment that the expensive “healthy” food isn’t much different from the cheaper food was very eye opening. I grew up in a low income home, we would normally get groceries from the 99 cent store or we would go to church for hand outs. I always thought people who had access to high quality grocery stores were so lucky. But then it begs the question to be asked, why are these people paying so much for their food if it isn’t all that different? The point about companies using misleading labels on their products was very interesting to me. If eggs are labeled free range I want to believe that. I believe that the animals and plant life that nourish us should have access to sun light, fresh water, and air. I do not want my food to come from a factory farm. This information has encouraged me to go to farmers market and actually be apart of a sustainable food system.
ReplyDelete- April Clavel
As a college student who prides herself on eating healthy, this information is valuable to me. I personally used to buy whatever eggs I noticed first in the store, that is until my mom introduced me to the facts about pasture raised eggs. I now only purchase Vital Farm brand eggs and can taste and see a huge difference. The flavor is much better, and the color is darker and more rich than a typical egg. In the Food Sustainable class I am currently enrolled in at CSULB, I was re introduced to the facts on pasture raised in even more detail. I am now telling everyone I know about these facts and sharing my knowledge in hopes to have them make the switch. Paying attention to what we eat is the most important thing on my mind. Food is fuel and our body absorbs what we eat. Eating healthy and well balanced is a way to live longer! I am now paying more attention to the labels on the foods I'm eating and trying to shop at the farmer's market as often as I can.
ReplyDelete- Carly Sterbentz
hi Carly, I too am try to eat healthy, the information in this blog is very very informative. I wasnt aware about the eggs and the conditions needed for it to be the best quality for us to consume until reading the blog post. have you felt any health benefits from changing the types of eggs you now consume?
DeleteIt is very helpful to be exposed to information such as this when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle. I come from a family that would always buy the cheapest ingredients, given that we did not have enough money to get the other options. I never would look at the labels or question where or how the food was produced. As I got older and became aware of what I was consuming, I tried to begin eating "healthier". This has actually been a recent journey since months prior to now I was not putting the healthiest food into my body.
ReplyDeleteGetting a job and being able to buy my own food has definitely contributed to my health journey. Attending CSULB and taking the course about Food Sustainability has been very eye opening. As this post states, not all the food we deem healthy actually is healthy. This class has taught us that many labels, such as the "organic" and "free range" labels can be very misleading. I have definitely fallen victim to this before I was able to understand how the food system works. I am now trying to help my family, as well as myself, purchase healthier food. By doing so every time I go to the farmer's market or the grocery store, I carefully read the labels so I can understand what I will be consuming. This information is vital in order to lead a truly healthy lifestyle. A question I have is, apart from "pasture raised", what other labels placed on different food items are ones that we can actually trust? I will say it is difficult to shop when the labels can be confusing and misleading.
-Veronica Perez
It is very interesting and helpful to be mentioned about how we can know the food was produced. Some people have healthy habits in their life, some are trying to be healthier than usual, and some do not care what they consume. Growing up and developing skills in two countries with different cultures was a challenge for me to adapt to basic habits in eating as well as living. As I said above, I have been changing many times with all my habits, typically is eating and developing healthier than in the past. I agree with the author that people will choose any food at the grocery faster than if they know what they want. The labels or numerous certifications seem to be useless at all with them. It is because the living standard is more and more increasing, as well as the appearance of technology, is also more popular than in our society. Some people will belong to the attractive more advertising image than to read helpful information that is provided by the company. Attending Nutrition courses and Food Sustainability class has been getting out of the box. I understand that “healthy” food is harder than to approach if we still maintain the habits of going to shop at the grocery instead of farmer’s market. They might excuse the inconvenience and less time to be able to find sustainable resources. Therefore, the system of food production will be more important and meaningful than in consumer’s purchases. The author also provided helpful information to be able to reach clean food if the grocery store is always our priority of choice.
ReplyDelete- Nikki Nguyen -
The blog post is very interesting and a bit eye opening. My perception of the food agriculture industry has changed now that I know that they are not always truthful in what is actually labeled organic and nonGMO. When you talk about what cage free should be and what cage free is in the eyes of the farming industry it reminded me of what I learned back in my serv safe class and how the way cage free or range free was classified was by a small 3 foot by 3 foot opening with a fence where the chickens could barely go outside. that changed my perception on what the meaning of cage free really was. I could never really get that image out of my head after that. The information about the farmers markets and how to find quality ingredients that check all the boxes for being non gmo, pesticide free, and chemicals free are all helpful to me in what to look out for. I also like to go to farmers markets too to buy my ingredients and they are a bit of a better choice compared to the other big box retailers because you can ask the growers directly about their own produce they are selling, plus it's cheaper and fresher than some retailers. I also sometimes find foods that are not normally sold in Ralphs or Stater brothers.
ReplyDeleteI find it very interesting that people only look so far when they are purchasing foods. They make the assumption that if there is a shiny label on the packaging that the food item they are purchasing is good for them and a high quality food item. As discussed there are conditions that these animals are raised in can have a drastic impact on the quality of the food and those factory farms tend to produce lower quality food with a higher impact on the environment around the factory as well as the individual consuming the food. I feel that if there were more farmers markets available in more cities, there would be more food available that is higher quality due to the conditions. Farmers markets often have specialty items that are not necessarily sold in places like Stater Brothers that are healthy and have a lowered impact on the environment.
ReplyDeleteI really like this post. Thank you so much for letting me know the truth about labels. In the past, not so many people will care about whether the food is grown sustainably or not. I am currently taking a sustainable food system class, and I realized the importance of sustainable food through this class. As a result, my habit was changed because of this class. In my daily life, I prefer to purchase chickens living under a free-range with organic certifications. This is my first time to know that there are so many tricks behind the label. It is too many works for me to verify the information with the company; therefore, I just downloaded the Buycott app and visit the Greener choices website. I also share the app and the website with my family and friends. The food with an organic label is much more expensive than others. I believed I get what I paid in the past. I will not waste my money anymore. I just want to know whether fruits and vegetables have misleading labels issue or not.
ReplyDeleteReading and understanding food labels has always been a challenge for me. Looking at a food label with countless ingredients, additives and foreign names can sometimes leave me feeling confused and lost. Reading Libby’s Sustainable Kitchen blog post about Navigating The Food System has helped me grasp the information a bit easier and hopefully I can share what I have learned so that you can have a better understanding of these food labels too. First off, did you know that buying free range eggs actually does not specify the conditions in which the chicken lives in? Free range eggs can mean chickens are locked up in pens for the majority of their days, overcrowded, in harsh environments and they are only allowed to be outside for a limited amount of time. This information just adds to the concept that food labels can be misleading and misrepresented. One of my favorite solutions is to shop at my local farmer’s market. If you or your family have the ability to visit your local farmers market, I highly encourage you to do so! You have the ability to ask the farmer or whomever is representing the farm, any questions you may have about the way in which the eggs are produced or how the chickens are being taken care of, or if their products are non-GMO. Shopping at your local farmer’s market is not only a great solution to healthier food alternatives, but it is also supporting small or local businesses!
ReplyDeleteAs a young adult, I have always been aware of the poor, inhumane conditions chickens and hens were being forced to live in. Although I was aware of the conditions, I did not accurately know the difference between the terms of "Pasture Raised" or "Cage Free and also "Organic".It is known that grocery stores and supermarkets are selling products that do come from these overcrowded, inhumane farms for economic benefit rather than health benefits. Just with the help of my Sustainable Food System course I was able to accurately understand the importance of sustainable tangible food. Habits of choosing "Free Range" with organic certifications have made big health benefit to me and my family. While my family still has the habit of just getting the cheapest item, I am slowly getting them to think about what they choose to out in their body during these times. You want to be as healthy as possible. Although organic labeled food is more expensive compared to other labeled food goods, you get what you paid for in the long run. Now that I understand there is a false narrative with label animal products, now I will like to know the false narrative with fruits and vegetables, or even bread products as well.
ReplyDeleteJadelyn Gaines
Throughout the time of raising my family I always focused on the least expensive products and didn't pay much attention to labels. As my kids got older, I became more aware of the labels on products such as "cage free" and decided to make purchases based on the humane treatment of animals. I never thought about how different nutritional values would be based on their eating habits and care. The picture with the chickens squeezed in such tight quarters is heartbreaking and concerning. I assumed cage-free meant they were able to roam the farm, not realizing that they were manipulating the meaning. It is also interesting to learn that organic doesn't necessarily mean "clean". It may take some extra effort, but I think it is worth doing the research as to where our food is coming from for the future of our health. There are so many health issues that arise from the food we put in our bodies, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Autism, due to the glyphosate in pesticides that many crops are treated with. This is a very educational blog that I wish more people knew about. Had it not been for my sustainable food class I would never have found it. Moving forward, I will buy my produce and eggs at farmers markets, not only for nutritional food, but also to support sustainable farming.
ReplyDeleteWhen I go shopping at the market, I am always cautious about buying items that are labeled organic because the price difference between those and generic items are always a hefty amount. As a college student, most of the time I look for more in terms of savings which has more value to me than whether my eggs are organic. Now as I get older, I have started looking more closely to labels and pay more attention to the buzz words such as Non-GMO, Certified Organic and Pasture Raised. I never really thought about whether or not cage free meant more than the chickens just being outside. Taking a look at this blog entry and reading more about how labels might be misleading, it helps me understand more about our food production industry. As I grow older and learn more about sustainability, I think that contributing to the preservation of our ecosystem is something that everyone has to take part in which is why I have started to shop more at local farmers markets. There I know that not only am I help small businesses but I am also able to speak directly to the vendors to learn about where my product comes from.
ReplyDeleteBefore college, I didn't take into consideration what types of food I was buying and consuming, which I have learned is a very important thing to do. With the knowledge that I know have, I am more cautious about the foods I buy and eat. I spend the extra time researching and properly reading food labels because I'd rather know what food products I am putting in my body. I have come to learn that animals that eat in their natural habitats have a greater nutritional value and have a lesser chance of carrying diseases. Chickens, pigs, and cows that eat a natural habitat are considered pastured-raised, which is different from free-range. Although a free-range animal may have access to some type of outdoor environment, it doesn't guarantee that the animal (chicken in this case) is eating a natural diet. I think it is beneficial for people to take a little effort into researching which companies are pastured-raised so that they can consume the best possible version of whatever they wish to eat.
ReplyDelete-Mia Pittsey
Throughout my life, I have always known that there were issues in the food system, whether it being the mistreatment of livestock or the unsustainability of using chemicals and other agricultural methods for “efficiency.” However, I have tended to ignore them due to my priorities being linked to things like school or work, forcing me to overlook the serious issues of what goes into my body and affects the world that I live in. For the most part, I was always aware that chemicals and other GMOs were being used in the food system and that was something that was regularly talked about, but there were other problems that are not so obviously and openly discussed. For example, the misleading image of free range chickens, as mentioned in the post, is truly groundbreaking to me, as I had never really considered the actual condition and living space of the livestock outside of what the producers had told consumers. With this, I am making the realization and dedication to prioritize obtaining food and groceries from more reputable farmers and small businesses that have fresh and organic food.
ReplyDeletePatrick Chua
Chickens are the #1 example of a genetically modified, hormone filled, overly crowded animal food source, that we humans eat. They can start up hundreds of conversations when mentioned as “organic” and will continue to do so for an exceptionally long time. I cannot imagine what must happen in order to distribute the number of eggs that are demanded throughout the United States, but we can for sure know it is not “organic”. It might sound weird, but my fondest memory of eggs is when I was studying abroad in Europe. This is because the eggs in Europe are SO GOOD. The color of the yoke is so orange, and you can tell that the yoke and whites are more fresh because they stand up taller when you crack the egg. I never thought I could go back to the eggs in the United States after tasting fresh eggs in Europe for 6 months.
ReplyDeleteMadeline Bates
I find it so offending that the food industry is capable of labeling products with false advertisement with little to no background information. So many people go out of their way just to find food that is “organic” or healthier but can never be sure on what they are actually receiving. I’ve recently realized how important it is to eat healthy by knowing exactly where the foods you eat are coming from. Throughout my K-12 grades, general education never really taught me anything on what I should I be eating when its beneficial to the everyday life. All humans should be aware of what they are consuming and how its affecting their body.I find it so offending that the food industry is capable of labeling products with false advertisement with little to no background information. So many people go out of their way just to find food that is “organic” or healthier but can never be sure on what they are actually receiving. I’ve recently realized how important it is to eat healthy by knowing exactly where the foods you eat are coming from. Throughout my K-12 grades, general education never really taught me anything on what I should I be eating when its beneficial to the everyday life. All humans should be aware of what they are consuming and how its affecting their body. I’m currently enrolled in a Food Sustainability course and learned so much about taking care of my health and ways to be more resourceful through activities. So far we’ve worked on a food waste assignment that showed me new ways to eat foods I normally throw into the trash. For example, there are many parts to fruits and vegetables that can be beneficial to our health and can be eaten in other interesting ways. We also did a diet analysis assignment where we created a chart of the foods we eat on a weekly basis. Being in these classes on nutrition has changed my perspective on the foods I eat and noticed the lack of overall knowledge on the food I had. I also realized that there are more to the foods we consume since the assignment required us to analyze the foods specifications, if it had glyphosate, or if there was any healthier options. Being open about my health is something new to me and glad I came across this reading!
ReplyDeleteSaul Suarez
The research you have presented highlights a lot of the problems associated with modern agriculture as well as how it might effect the public's nutrition. Sourcing one's produce from a local organic farmer might be ideal, however one of the major contributing factors to the food crisis in America is not one of production but more one of distribution. As someone who lives in LA it wouldn't be too difficult for me to shop local and organic, but there are a lot areas who don't have that same access. As an expert in your field, what are some potential solutions for those low-income communities who have to source their produce from imports rather than having the capacity to grow food within their own communities? And what are some steps that can be taken to shift power away from the industrial agricultural giants and into methods that would provide local, organic and sustainably grown food to those who don’t have the same access that I do?
ReplyDeleteOlivi Skowronski,
CSULB Student
After reading about how food labels can be misleading, I began to think of more questions. If chickens that are being classified as free range, how must chickens that are not classified as such being treated. I have always known that animals in agriculture have never been treated the best since there is a focus solely on creating the most product as possible. Yet when I walk through the grocery stores and see “free range eggs” I assume the chickens are living life out there. This post completely bars that image out of my head and puts questions I did not previously have. This idea of chickens not being treated well makes me think of all the other animals that are also being treated bad. Yet I keep buying all these foods without second guessing anything. Just as how millions of other Americans must do the same.
ReplyDeleteI also am not aware of how to properly read labels and when to know when the labels mean what they say they are. As mentioned, the labels may often be false advertisement. The tips that are given are a great start to becoming more aware of hot to shop for foods. Going to local markets is another great idea in getting in the right direction for shopping for natural and goof food. Creating connections at the food markets seem to be a great way of gaining the knowledge of what food to look out for. Learning directly from the source is much more efficient than researching online or guessing at labels.
Wow. After this post it really has me thinking as a consumer how many lies I can believe about the foods I purchase at the store. I try to buy organic or produce that seems to look fresh. This just reminds me that you really never know about the history of the foods you are buying. I also agree that buying from farmers market can help with clarity of the food. The grower can answer just about any question you may have before buying. I also like supporting them as well. I have tried to educate myself on the different labels, too. There can be so many. This blog definitely helped me realize the importance of understanding labels and being able to read them. I can understand how to identify items that really are cage free or organic by using the app buycott. Thanks for the great tip. Another way of knowing how food is grown is by growing some of it in your backyard. I can say that from previous assignments I have learned the importance of food sustainability. Farmers that are truly growing their food to be sustainable should be known as many more people are growing of concern about the authenticity and interesting in eating organic. This authentic food labels allows for their businesses to grow.
ReplyDeleteHM370 - Alma Gonzalez (Hannah Gross)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this post. I have taken nutrition classes in middle school but there is only so much a kid can understand and retain. This brought back a lot of memories of confusion about food labels, they taught us how to read them but I honestly had a lot of trouble. I specifically enjoyed the part about free range eggs. Like most people I also thought that it meant that these animals were free to roam with enough space to live comfortably, I guess not and that is really upsetting. As for this it made me want to start looking at brands who are true to their labels, I really appreciate all the info linked to this post to make it easier on us. In the portion about farmers markets, I already enjoy going to them and now with more knowledge it should be more enjoyable every time I go. This post has made me want to try harder to moving towards a more organic and sustainable way of living. This also goes to show how capitalism is valued more than nutrition, it really makes you think.
Bailey Bonham:
ReplyDeleteI wish I could say I'm surprised by this but unfortunately, I already know this industry is so corrupt. The skewed truth they try to convince consumers of is outrageous. Sometimes it does still shock me at how far they are willing to go for money. I have learned that money truly is the biggest motivator for these types of corporations. There is no consideration for the environment or even consumers. These companies play into people’s emotions and morals. They use key words and certifications to draw consumers in, when in reality it’s a scam. As a consumer, it makes buying foods extremely difficult because I cannot blindly trust the labels like I once did. Sadly, this happens in the fishing industry as well. Many put a variety of environmentally friendly and sustainable labels on their products when they are actually the complete opposite. This seems to be the very sad reality we are living in right now.
Quinn Kozuschek HM 370:
ReplyDeleteI have always thought the word organic meant 100 percent natural, free of additives and harmful chemicals such as pesticides. I was shocked to read that a food item that is labeled organic can still contain synthetic additives and vaccines. I always try to buy organic when it's available and will continue to do so, however after reading this posting I would like to explore more local farmers markets. This way I can have a direct conversation with an actual person about information regarding produce instead of making assumptions on the quality of food in the groceries stores based off a label. It broke my heart seeing the images of the living conditions of free range chickens. I have had chickens for the past five years now and have noticed a dramatic difference in egg quality. Eggs that I have gotten from the stores, including free range eggs, often have runny whites with a small pale yellow yolk. My chickens are allowed to run free in the daytime and scratch around the yard for bugs and small plants. The eggs that I get from my chickens have thick viscous like whites with a large rich yellow yolk and strong shells. I have learned that with food you get out of it what you put in. The eggs I get from my chickens will be more nutrient dense and healthier, and my chickens are happy.
Andreya Garcia
ReplyDeleteI am glad after reading this post I know what to look for now when it comes to purchasing animal products. I was very confused before on what the difference was between labels such as "cage free" or "grass fed" on animal products, but it seems like those labels do not really mean anything positive in regards "clean" food. It is good to know now that looking for "pasture raised" on animal product labels really means that animals on farms are being treated in the way to produce the best quality products. Seeing the photos of what a free range farm still looks like really shows how labels on packaging is a huge scam as well. Why are there no stricter regulations regarding that?
Mealad Saadeh
ReplyDeleteI definitely learned a lot from this post. I do not usually think of navigating the healthy foods in depth. Usually when there is a label, I assume that the food products would be up to standards. The question is “How many of these labels or statements are true? and which product is really what it states to be?” These are things I now wonder about. I usually purchase my eggs from cage free chickens. But sometimes things are not what they apear to be like, Reading this blood definitely educated me about navigating better food options and noticing these small details. I will definitely be more aware of that from now on. I honestly think that organic food is the best way to go. I would also make sure that I would purchase these products from reliable and reputable vendors or suppliers. When it comes to chicken, I honestly think that there should be more clarification on the labels they place. I always imagined that the chickens are just wondering and eating outside; apparently, I was very wrong. I will look out for that from now on. By reading this blog, I realized how the sunlight and outdoor food is essential for the chicken and eggs as well. I never thought of that detail before. This is a very interesting topic, and I will surly do more research on it. Thank you for the interesting blog!
I also used to think that products labeled "organic" are the best option for our health, but after reading this blog and doing other research, I agree that we should really conscious when making purchases.
DeleteHM370 - Samantha Balderas (Hannah Gross)
ReplyDeleteThe question here is how can we really trust what's being put out in stores. Let's say for example, brands are using the "organic, non-GMO" words to make customer believe it's healthy. I had a teacher back in high school working for a very known company. They are really known. He would talk about the dark sides of the companies. Everything we see from the pictures is nothing but to cover what's actually going through our food. As for some food brands they just want to make it look like it's fancy healthy food when in reality it's all the same food from one produce. From what I heard and seen from documentaries. I assume that in order to consume very healthy "eggs" we would have to treat the chicken very careful. Wouldn't it cost more to do that? I am amazed how everything is label to grab the consumers attention. Can we put or stop how companies are producing to achieve massive production. Not only are chemical harmful for our health. It's need to keep away insects and other side effects. I would say that planting our vegetables will take long to grow. Yes it can be achievable but with time and effort.
I have never read these labels before because I'm mostly dependent on my family on my diets; however, I was not really surprised when I learn that labels in the US can be meaningless. We also have many meaningless labels in our country. Because of my experience, I have a positive look into the problem. It takes some time to research what these labels mean, but I'm looking forward to learning which products are sustainable for people and the environment. It is just a personal choice but if have to feed a chicken to my family, I prefer to have the chicken was outdoor, on grass, and under sunlight. I also prefer to support farms that respect and protect the environment. I'm sure it will be a long war keeping these labels useful for the buyer, but at least I don't need to learn new definitions every year. I'm happy to learn this set of tools is available for everybody. Greener Choices seems to be a reliable resource; I intend to use it whenever I'm in need.
ReplyDeleteQuang Tran
I find that labels can be very misleading if you do not understand what each one means. Consumers buy processed foods that say low-fat, low-calorie or keto just because "it sounds good," when in reality they do not know what the benefits of those products are, or who they are targeted at. I believe the same goes for buying fresh goods. Although fresh produce that are organic, or free-range and grass-fed products are technically "better," these labels can also be misleading. Consumers who are unfamiliar with farming practices would not realize that animals with those labels don't have ideal living conditions, or that organic fruits and vegetables are still allowed to have genetically modified organisms. I believe on both ends, education is key. Maybe those who make the labels need to be more transparent with what their farming terms really mean and maybe consumers need to do a little bit more research with the labels that they choose to purchase. You have a great idea by choosing to shop at farmer's markets to know your direct source!
ReplyDeleteYsabel Ignacio
I am definitely an avid label reader, but I did not know that some of the labels don't mean what I think they do. I used to think that all labels meant something good, such as safe and sustainable practices. In terms of the "Free Range" label, it is very unfortunate how misleading that actually is. I have always bought organic food, including eggs, but now I look for a label that says "Pasture Raised" instead of "Free Range". I think that some of the biggest problems with people buying inorganic and non sustainable foods is the price and their shelf-life. Not only are they more expensive, but for busy families, they need their food to also last in their fridge or in their pantries. Organic food is fresher and therefore, has a shorter shelf-life. I hope that one day it can be more beneficial for more people to go to farmer's markets for their groceries.
ReplyDeleteI before was always confused about the term organic and sustainable after reading articles about how some organic milk brands only allow their cows to go outside for a short period of time. You were right that we have to be really conscious when reading the label since the label that states "organic" is not equal to good for our health. Also, thank you for the tip that we can save money (and also protect our health) by buying food that is grown sustainably but may not have organic certification. After reading your blog, I think I will go visit the farmer's market more often.
ReplyDeleteJuliana Thornton
ReplyDeleteKnowing where your food comes from is a great practice to follow, it helps both the environment and your body. Most foods have unhealthy GMOs, genetically modified organism, and can contribute negatively to our environment. For example, buying beef results in a contribution to an increase in greenhouse gases in the earth's atmosphere. I heavily rely on going to farmers markets, as it is extremely helpful to talk to the farmer face to face and also because it's nice to support farmers directly. I will continue to go to farmers markets and will also encourage my friends and family to shop there as well. Some questions I have are what are the requirements for something to be "free range"? In the photos above I saw that free range doesn't look like anything I had pictured.
Jennie Jimenez
ReplyDeleteI gained a deeper insight into food labelling after reading your article. From a customer's perspective, I tend to choose fresh products which are labeled with familiar sustainability terms such as organic, free range, natural or grass-fed. I am also willing to pay higher prices for these products because of their positive impact on the environment and health. However, your article helps me realize that some food companies purposely mislead food packaging to attract conscientious consumers, just like me. I wonder if there are any specific rules or official inspection of the manufactures or procedures to control food label claims. Customers are often confused by widely used marketing labelings without realizing the difference between how the product is raised and what the product is fed. To shop with confidence, customers should educate themselves to learn what food labels really mean and which places are reliable to buy food from. Your suggested guidelines are also great ways to support the farming system we care about and get clean food for our healthy diets.
Isabel Gomez
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting reading and learning more about this topic. These certain types of scenarios are the cause of a lifestyle food trend. And the reason PETA, a nonprofit organization that we animal lovers can depend on, motivates us to push for certain policies and regulations. I myself find it so enlightening how we can create a culture where we can devote our time to certain types of diets or elaborate types of dining. On the other hand, I think where we should draw the line with any food “trend” or societal propaganda that involves living creatures. As others have mentioned, locally sourced and trustworthy vendors are suitable representatives in Navigating The Food System. We should start building relationships with our licensed vendors and grocery stores that are certified to sell organic and cruelty free poultry, meat, and fish. For example, in my own diet I try to practice vegetarianism trends to ease the consumption of these products. I also like how we can receive certain types of nutrients from other foods without the involvement of animals.
Julianna Somaini
ReplyDeleteThis post resonated with me because differentiating what is healthy and what’s labeled as ‘healthy’ is still complicated even years later. While this post was made in 2018, to this day labels are still very misleading or false just to gain attention. When shopping for groceries I typically try to look for more natural items meaning fewer additives or healthier alternatives. I typically try to stay away from dairy and meat due to what I have learned about the farming process. When I learned that cows, chickens, pigs, etc. are kept in these close courters they tend to spread diseases much faster and are injected with more antibiotics. These animals need a lot of land with fertile pasture and grass to graze on to provide healthy meat. So, it seems so much of the meat that is claimed as free range still tastes artificial or not as natural as others. Recently I have been buying more fair-trade items because I can get a clearer backstory of how the animals were raised or what ingredients are added, which typically may or may not be labeled. I have been lucky enough to have traveled and been able to see how different countries treat their animals and grow their food, and the difference in taste is very noticeable. There is also a big difference in how fertile the soil and the land are. In America, our soil has been contaminated with so much fertilizer and minerals that it continuously has decreased fertility levels. Those chemicals and minerals are also found in our food because of how heavily contaminated the soil is. I wish we could use resources from other countries to better our practices for the general public instead of just the people that are informed.
It is so important to understand not all labels are meaningful, especially when purchasing eggs. I have strictly been purchasing organic pasture-raised eggs from Vital Farms since August of 2022 since hearing about the lack of meaning behind free range, cage free, all natural, etc. Although there are not any strict government standards behind labeling eggs, Vital Farms is a great brand to purchase from when shopping at a grocery store. I will try to shop at local farmers markets in the future to have direct conversations with vendors to get the full picture of how the hens are raised, what their diet consists of and what their quality of life is like.
ReplyDeleteShopping for healthy foods is confusing when there are all different kinds of labels such as organic, non-GMO, grass-fed, and so forth. I am taking a class on exploring a sustainable food system as well as trying to educate myself and my family on healthier eating. My family's diet is unhealthy and it has put us in danger. We would eat a lot of processed foods or the cheapest products we could get which eventually led to being deficient in some necessary nutrients and high in bad nutrients. Sometimes we would grab foods with labels just cause it sounded healthier without really knowing. However, that did not change anything for us. For my family and I, not realizing how bad our health got made us realize that we needed to make changes. One of the first steps we have been taking over the last year since diet has changed as a result of covid, was better understanding the nature of our food. We ask questions as to if chemicals have been used, if the food has been processed or not, and just become more familiar with the produce we buy. Our health has gotten better as a result. We also try to shop at farmers markets when we can clearly know what we’re buying and where it's coming from. Also good to support because as many people have said in the comments, there's a concern regarding businesses needing to change the way they approach food. Buying into big business products only empower and continue practices which we need to move away from. From industrial agriculture to sustainability and in order to do that, like with my family, realizing it is not healthy for the long term and changes need to be made now.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this article about the truth behind the food we buy. When I was younger, I believed word-for-word what was ladled on food. As I have been in classes that talk about food, environment, and sustainability; I now know that a food being organic or other certifications does not mean what it seems. For example, cage free eggs does not mean that the chickens did not have a bad quality of life, they could have lived in cages most of the day with a little bit of roaming time. The course I am currently in at CSULB taught me that a lot of foods are genetically modified which can be harmful for the environment and humans. I also learned about the 4 pillars of food security which are; Availability, Access, Utilization, and Stabilization. To me, utilization can really apply to this article because having basic knowledge about nutrition and care can help people find the true healthy food options they are looking for.
ReplyDeleteHikaru Takasugi HM370
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this post, I have learned that not all labels are meaningful. We tend to believe and have a high expectations when reading words like “organic,” but in real life, the products are being blurred or “hidden” in their cruel background/environment. Not all people are educated with labels and certifications so these kinds of posts and articles teach us how to make better decisions when purchasing foods.
I don’t frequently go to the farmer’s market, but when I do and purchase some fresh foods, I always get mesmerized by the quality. That tells me the difference between the quality of farmer’s market products and the grocery foods I always buy without thinking deeply.
When I first read the article, I was confused what "synthetics" were and how it related back to the organic label. I found out it was another way to say artificial chemicals added to either enhance the flavor and appearance. As for what was allowed, the chemicals seemed to only be preservatives, but those preservatives have also been noted to be potentially harmful for human consumption.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I was surprised when I heard how loose the labels were, but also understood how drastic shifts need time to adjust. I can only imagine how long it will be before the labels live up to our expectations.
-Edward Jean
This post was very eye opening to me. We put a lot of trust into the food industry and the labels they put on the food that we buy for ourselves and feed our families with. We see the organic label and automatically think it is healthy, but reading this blog taught me that is not always the case. It is interesting because the organic label makes the price of food increase because it is supposed to be “healthier”, but that food product has the possibility of having pesticides and/or the vaccines from GMOs in it. I just question if the food industry will get worse or better going into the future generations with the advancement of technology?
ReplyDeleteThis post emphasized the difficulties associated with food labeling and the faith that consumers have in the food business. It's clear that not all labels guarantee purity, with some pesticide and GMO residues getting through the cracks, despite the widespread belief that organic food is healthier. It's important to consider whether technological advancements will result in greater clarity or more complexity when we think about the future of the food industry. My family and I have personally had some eye-opening health experiences that have led us to move away from processed meals and toward more nutrient-rich options. To guarantee openness in our food choices, we've become attentive label readers.
ReplyDeleteAccess to high-quality, nutritious food is an important aspect of food security. However, a valid point made in this post is that it can be hard to determine what is “high-quality” food versus what just claims to be on the label. The truth is, labels can be deceptive. I am so often fooled into thinking that just because something says “free range” or “organic” that means I have done myself a service and bought myself the most nutritious product. Sometimes the products with no labels claiming to be nutritious are the ones that are the best. The only way to find out is to investigate the companies you are buying from and how they make their products. In the future I hope to do more research into the food I am frequently eating and how it is made.
ReplyDeleteHi Abbie,
DeleteAfter reading your post I do agree with what you are saying in your post. I do believe in investigating into the companies that you are purchasing from because you can get more out from the food that your are eating as well. Knowing what your are consuming is so important because so many foods today are causing many health problems as new types of foods are coming out. Thank You for sharing!
Ashna Patel:
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this piece, I had a truly insightful realization about the origins of our food and realized how important it is to comprehend the real origins of it. When we shop at the grocery store, we typically assume that anything labeled as organic is “healthy.” That is typically incorrect, though, as the business most likely uses the incorrect information on the box to make money that way. Knowing what you are putting in your body is essential, therefore reading this blog made me want to visit the farmers market and talk to people about my food.
In my opinion, analyzing packaging while shopping can definitely be confusing. Terms like cage-free, organic, pasture-raised, etc. are all common things I see at the supermarket for eggs. Of course, this is the same for many products such as yogurt, milk, and other fresh produce. While volunteering this semester, I learned that produce straight from the garden is the most sustainable and nutritious because it is not shipped and stays fresh. I can’t garden where I live, so I go to farmer’s markets as often as possible. The less processed something is the more healthy and sustainable it is, so going to the farmer’s market is definitely a great option. However, as the article mentioned, labels at the farmer’s market can also be misleading so it is vital to do research beforehand and know what you want to buy. I want to do further research so I am a more informed buyer so I can buy healthier and more environmentally conscious food.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this, food labels have become even more confusing for the average shopper! There's nothing we want more than to simply just read and believe a label that is presented to us, but as you mentioned, it may not always be what's being presented to us. Personally, I lean towards buying "cage-free" eggs, but now knowing what that could mean different things in terms of how the chickens are kept, I now have to make that adjustment when I'm reading about not only my eggs, but everything else. I really wish to move in the direction of a more sustainable and healthy way of living, and if that means taking the extra mile in researching labels or turning to a local farmers market, I would definitely be willing to do so. Researching and asking questions can't hurt!
ReplyDelete