Labels to know when shopping
Thursday, September 15, 2011
BY TARA SPINELLI
GUEST COLUMNIST
The Record
A shopping trip to find healthy, well-made products can be difficult. Finding products that are also grown, made, packaged and transported with respect for workers, animals and the environment is an even bigger challenge.
Language like “no antibiotics,” “natural,” “free-range,” “vegetarian-fed,” “cruelty-free,” “cage-free” and “environmentally friendly” may sound reassuring, but it doesn’t guarantee that products meet any real standards.
Instead, look for some of these standards-based labels when you shop:
USDA Organic
USDA Organic is a legal definition that requires producers to meet a set of strict requirements against the use of dangerous chemicals and genetically modified seeds as well as for the proper treatment of workers and animals.
There are tiers of organic certification based on the percentage of organic ingredients and methods employed, from “100 percent organic” to “organic” (95 percent or greater) to “Made with organic ingredients” (at least 70 percent). Only products 95 percent or greater can show the USDA Organic seal.
It’s important to note that many small, local producers don’t have the resources to pursue official USDA Organic certification but may follow sustainability practices that are comparable to or better than organic standards. Farmers markets are a great place to ask local purveyors about how their products are grown or made.
Fair Trade
The Fair Trade Certified label can be found on food products like chocolate, coffee and tea, as well as on a variety of handcrafted items. Fair Trade labels tell us that:
• Workers are properly trained and paid a fair wage.
• Working conditions are healthy and safe.
• Production methods are environmentally responsible and sustainable.
• Workers have a say in the business and are also empowered to help improve their communities.
Fair Trade labeling is conferred on specific products by independent organizations like TransFair USA, TransFair Canada or the Fairtrade Labeling Organization. An entire company can also be designated Fair Trade by the Fair Trade Federation.
Certified Humane Raised and Handled®
Certified Humane Raised and Handled® is a certification that ensures humane treatment of animals and safety in the production of foods like eggs, poultry, meat and dairy. This label assures consumers that:
• The producer meets all standards for humane treatment of animals from birth through slaughter as well as food safety and environmental regulations.
• Animals have ample space, shelter, and gentle handling to limit stress.
• Animals have ample fresh water and a healthy diet of quality feed without added antibiotics or hormones.
• Animals are free to do what comes naturally, and methods of confinement like cages, crates, and tie stalls are among the forbidden practices.
Certified Humane Raised and Handled® is conferred by Humane Farm Animal Care, a national non-profit that seeks to improve the lives of farm animals by setting rigorous standards, conducting annual inspections, and certifying humane treatment. The certification is endorsed by the ASPCA, the Center for Food Safety, and 36 other animal welfare organizations.
For more information, visit www.ams.usda.gov to find out more about USDA Organic; www.transfairusa.org and www.fairtradefederation.org to find out more about Fair Trade Certified; and {cms_selflink page=’home’ text=’www.certifiedhumane.org’} to find out more about Certified Humane Raised and Handled®.
The writer is a member of Nutley Township’s Greenutley Committee. Karen Wallace contributed to this column. For more information, visit the Greenutley page at www.nutleynj.org.
To view the original article click the link below.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/129860893_Labels_to_know__Organic__Fair_Trade__Certified_Humane.html?page=all
NorthJersey.com
Posted: September 15, 2011 by Certified Humane
Labels to know when shopping
Thursday, September 15, 2011
BY TARA SPINELLI
GUEST COLUMNIST
The Record
A shopping trip to find healthy, well-made products can be difficult. Finding products that are also grown, made, packaged and transported with respect for workers, animals and the environment is an even bigger challenge.
Language like “no antibiotics,” “natural,” “free-range,” “vegetarian-fed,” “cruelty-free,” “cage-free” and “environmentally friendly” may sound reassuring, but it doesn’t guarantee that products meet any real standards.
Instead, look for some of these standards-based labels when you shop:
USDA Organic
USDA Organic is a legal definition that requires producers to meet a set of strict requirements against the use of dangerous chemicals and genetically modified seeds as well as for the proper treatment of workers and animals.
There are tiers of organic certification based on the percentage of organic ingredients and methods employed, from “100 percent organic” to “organic” (95 percent or greater) to “Made with organic ingredients” (at least 70 percent). Only products 95 percent or greater can show the USDA Organic seal.
It’s important to note that many small, local producers don’t have the resources to pursue official USDA Organic certification but may follow sustainability practices that are comparable to or better than organic standards. Farmers markets are a great place to ask local purveyors about how their products are grown or made.
Fair Trade
The Fair Trade Certified label can be found on food products like chocolate, coffee and tea, as well as on a variety of handcrafted items. Fair Trade labels tell us that:
• Workers are properly trained and paid a fair wage.
• Working conditions are healthy and safe.
• Production methods are environmentally responsible and sustainable.
• Workers have a say in the business and are also empowered to help improve their communities.
Fair Trade labeling is conferred on specific products by independent organizations like TransFair USA, TransFair Canada or the Fairtrade Labeling Organization. An entire company can also be designated Fair Trade by the Fair Trade Federation.
Certified Humane Raised and Handled®
Certified Humane Raised and Handled® is a certification that ensures humane treatment of animals and safety in the production of foods like eggs, poultry, meat and dairy. This label assures consumers that:
• The producer meets all standards for humane treatment of animals from birth through slaughter as well as food safety and environmental regulations.
• Animals have ample space, shelter, and gentle handling to limit stress.
• Animals have ample fresh water and a healthy diet of quality feed without added antibiotics or hormones.
• Animals are free to do what comes naturally, and methods of confinement like cages, crates, and tie stalls are among the forbidden practices.
Certified Humane Raised and Handled® is conferred by Humane Farm Animal Care, a national non-profit that seeks to improve the lives of farm animals by setting rigorous standards, conducting annual inspections, and certifying humane treatment. The certification is endorsed by the ASPCA, the Center for Food Safety, and 36 other animal welfare organizations.
For more information, visit www.ams.usda.gov to find out more about USDA Organic; www.transfairusa.org and www.fairtradefederation.org to find out more about Fair Trade Certified; and {cms_selflink page=’home’ text=’www.certifiedhumane.org’} to find out more about Certified Humane Raised and Handled®.
The writer is a member of Nutley Township’s Greenutley Committee. Karen Wallace contributed to this column. For more information, visit the Greenutley page at www.nutleynj.org.
To view the original article click the link below.
http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/129860893_Labels_to_know__Organic__Fair_Trade__Certified_Humane.html?page=all
Category: news