Clean Labeling: What’s the Meaning Behind Popular Claims?

Clean label claims on food packages are gaining popularity as consumer interest in healthy, environment-friendly food continues to grow. Last week we explored the meaning and validity of “organic” and “natural” label claims, and, in this post, we continue to dig into other clean claims commonly seen on food packages in grocery stores.

Cage-free & free-range:

“Cage-free” and “free-range” are USDA-regulated label claims referring to housing conditions of chickens raised for poultry or eggs. The cage-free label means that the flock was able to roam freely within an enclosed area with unlimited access to food and water. These animals cannot go outdoors and can be housed densely without access to natural light. The “free-range” claim indicates that the flock was provided shelter in an enclosed area with continuous access to food, water, and the outdoors. These chickens can also be housed densely and the size and quality of outdoor area varies widely. Chickens housed in dense populations can be debeaked to prevent aggressive pecking; this process is protested against by many organizations promoting humane treatment of animals. Non-profit organizations, like Humane Farm Animal Care provide additional certifications for free-range with higher standards than the USDA.

Grass-fed & pasture-raised:

The USDA regulates the “grass-fed” label claim for meat from ruminants (beef, lamb, goat) and dairy, but the organization does not control the “pasture-raised” claim for pork, poultry, and eggs. Grass-fed animals must receive a majority of their nutrients from grass throughout their life, though their diets can still be supplemented with grain. The grass-fed label is not synonymous with organic, meaning the use of antibiotics, hormones, and pesticides are not limited during production. Additionally, these animals are not necessarily given outdoor access. If organic production methods are important to you, be sure to look for meat and dairy labeled as grass-fed organic. Though not defined by the USDA, non-profits, including Humane Farm Animal Care and Animal Welfare Approved, offer certification for pasture-raised chickens. When you see a “Certified Humane” image on a food package with a “pasture-raised” claim, it means that the animals were raised outdoors year round with shelter available and a maximum density of 1000 chickens per 2.5 acres of land.

Hormone- & antibiotic-free:

The term “no hormones administered” appears on conventionally produced cow products (i.e., beef and diary) only when the USDA was provided sufficient evidence by the farmer to verify the claim. Hormones are not allowed in raising hogs or chickens, therefore the claim does not apply to these food products. For all meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs, “no antibiotics added” can be stated on a food package only when a producer provides sufficient documentation to the USDA to confirm that the animals were raised without antibiotics. Organic products are required by the USDA to be hormone-, and antibiotic-free.

Humane:

Humane is not a label claim regulated by the USDA. However, humane certification is available from the following non-profit organizations: Humane Farm Animal Care, Animal Welfare Approved, and Global Animal Partnership. The criteria used by these organizations for determining humane treatment of animals varies; you can visit each organization’s website to better understand their standards.

Non-GMO Project Verified:

This is the most popular and trusted label claim for non-GMO foods. The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit initiative dedicated to protecting a non-GMO food supply and creating transparency for consumers. The GMO Project Standards for determining the status of food products is a consensus document, meaning that it incorporates insight from a range of stakeholders and the public.

Nutrient content claims:

The FDA regulates “free” claims for nutrients and gluten. A food product can be labeled as free of certain nutrients, like sugar and fat, if it contains less than 0.5 grams of that nutrient per serving. The FDA allows the use of the “gluten-free” claim on products that are manufactured to be or naturally free of gluten. The standard for the “gluten-free” claim is less than 200 parts per million of gluten within a food product (translation: a non-detectable amount). Additionally, it is now common for processed food products to list the amount of “healthy” nutrients (i.e., protein, fiber, and micronutrients) on the front of packages to catch the eye of consumers. It is important that you still check the Nutrition Facts panel and ingredients list on the back of the processed food package to make sure it doesn’t also contain high amounts of nutrients that you want to limit (remember to check the serving size and calories and use 5/20 rule ☺).

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Dr Kara

My journey to find a balanced way of living led me to a Ph.D. in Nutrition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master’s in Public Health at the University of California-Berkeley. My studies and experiences afford me a deep understanding of diet and lifestyle factors that contribute to optimal health. I contribute to projects in the U.S. and abroad that improve the health of individuals and families through nutritious foods. I believe the foods we eat impact our lives in so many ways, ranging from nourishing our body’s cells and tissues, to supporting emotional, physical, and social wellbeing. I am thrilled to be a part of the Moxy Kitchen team and support the development of flavorful, easy-to-use food products that add a nutrient-dense punch to daily meals.