TRICKY , TRENDY WORDS TRICKY , TRENDY WORDS
FOOD | ARTS | COMMUNITY | STYLE + LEISURE
TRICKY , TRENDY WORDS TRICKY , TRENDY WORDS
By Jodie Eisenhardt + Erin Hicks
EVEN SAVVY SHOPPERS ARE CONFUSED BY LABELS AND TERMS RETAILERS USE TO MAKE YOU THINK YOU ARE EATING CLEAN . HERE ’ S A PRIMER FOR SOME TRENDY TERMS AND WHAT THEY REALLY MEAN .
Air-Chilled The USDA requires chicken ( and other poultry ) to be cooled to a certain temp to ensure safety . This term means the animal passes through several chambers where cold , purified air is used to cool the meat after slaughter vs . the common method of dipping into a water bath with chlorine , which causes the chicken to absorb water and dilute the flavor while also increasing the risk of cross-contamination . Bottom line ? Air-chilled = less gross / better quality .
Antibiotic-Free / Hormone-Free The USDA now allows labels that read “ no antibiotics administered ” and “ raised without antibiotics .” Hormone-free only applies to beef , as regulations have never allowed hormones to be added to poultry and pork . Bottom line ? The only way to truly avoid these is to purchase certified organic meat and dairy .
Grass-Fed This year , the FDA changed its definition to indicate only what the animal is fed ( grass , alfalfa and hay ), which contributes to healthier animals and more nutritious meat but does not deal with the use of hormones / antibiotics or confinement . Bottom line ? Ask where the beef comes from and investigate further .
Gluten-Free A food must limit the unavoidable presence of gluten , or any ingredient that is any type of wheat , to be labeled gluten-free by the FDA . It does not mean a food is whole grain , organic , low carb or healthy . Bottom line ? Many gluten-free products are highly processed ; read labels .
Local This term loosely indicates that a food was produced within a certain geographical region from where it ’ s purchased or consumed . With no formal definition it could mean regional , state – or beyond . Bottom line ? Local does not necessarily mean organic but often does indicate sustainable farming practices . Ask questions .
Natural The FDA does not have a formal definition for this tricky term . Generally defined as “ food that does not contain added color , artificial flavors or synthetic substances .” Foods labeled natural often have lots of refined sugar . Bottom line ? Read the ingredients .
Non-GMO Project Verified Unlike the rest of the world , the U . S . has NO laws requiring labeling of genetically modified foods . This label indicates a rigorous and ongoing verification process to verify the absence of GMOs . Bottom line ? It ’ s worth researching the effects of GMOs in crops like corn ( and therefore high-fructose corn syrup ), which is in nearly all processed foods .
Organic The USDA Organic seal indicates that a food was produced without synthetic pesticides , bioengineered genes ( GMOs ) or chemical fertilizers . Organic meat and dairy products are from animals fed organic , vegetarian feed ; are provided access to the outdoors ; and not treated with hormones or antibiotics . Bottom line ? If the seal says “ 100 % Organic ,” it means it was made with 100 % organic ingredients vs . the term “ Organic ,” which indicates that the food was made with at least 95 % organic ingredients .
Wild-Caught vs . Farm-Raised Fish from seas , rivers and other natural bodies of water vs . those raised in tanks , irrigation ditches and ponds . Which is best ? Depends on which seafood and from where . Bottom line ? Loaded topic . Buy American , local whenever possible and educate yourself via seafoodwatch . org .
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