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Food labels are sometimes confusing, or meaningless, but they can still help you make better choices.

Food labels can be very confusing. Words like “conventional,” “organic,” and “natural” are bandied about a lot, but what do they actually mean? And what’s the difference between cage-free and free-range eggs?

Let’s dig into some common misconceptions and find out!

The key message here is: Food labels are sometimes confusing, or meaningless, but they can still help you make better choices. 

Let’s start with the word “organic.” The finer points of what it means can differ from region to region, but essentially, organic refers to farming practices. For example, in the US, organic agriculture doesn’t permit the use of genetic engineering or synthetic pesticides. That doesn’t mean farmers steer clear of all pesticides; they can still use naturally derived substances like rotenone. 

But beware; natural doesn’t always mean healthy. Studies show that exposure to rotenone can increase your risk of Parkinson’s disease. So, even if your produce is organic, it’s still a good idea to wash it thoroughly before eating.

That brings us to the word “natural” – another misleading label. Ultimately, it’s nothing more than a marketing gimmick – a way to make one food sound healthier than another. Many granola bars, for example, are labeled “natural.” But they’re still likely to be packed with added sugar.

And now, for the most confusing part: eggs. You’ve got cage-free, free-range, certified organic, pasture-raised – and the list goes on! But what’s the difference between all these? Well, unlike some other labels, these terms do mean something.

For your average commercial egg producer, as many as four to twelve birds can be kept in a single battery cage. On average, they only have 67 square inches in which to move. 

The “cage-free” label indicates that the birds live in confined warehouses rather than cages. But they each still only have a square foot of space. Conditions remain poor for the birds, and the chicken farmers have to contend with highly polluted air.

Free-range or free-roaming means the birds do spend some time outdoors – although how much, and what the word “outdoors” actually means, can vary. It may just be a small hatch leading to a tiny outdoor cement square that the birds may not even use. 

Certified organic eggs must be free-range and meet the standards of the region’s organic certification, even though the actual practices behind the eggs can vary.

Pasture-raised, on the other hand, is more specific. It means the birds spend their days outdoors and their nights in a barn. Their diets often include natural ingredients like grass and worms. This is widely seen as one of the most humane production methods. - source: Blinklist.com


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