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These Food Labels and Symbols Don’t Mean What You Think
Symbols like “recyclable” and “compostable” aren’t as reliable as you’d expect.
Consumers have become increasingly concerned about how their food is produced, and the impacts of their purchases.
Recent research shows that 67% of Americans say “animal wellness” plays an important role in their purchasing decisions.
There is also evidence that consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impacts of product packaging, resulting in a willingness to pay for more sustainable alternatives.
Shoppers look to certain food labels and symbols to answer: how does the production of this item affect the environment?
Were the animals farmed for this food given enough space to move? Is this packaging recyclable or compostable?
But how accurate are food labels and symbols, and how many are mere marketing?
We investigated some common ones that may not mean what you think they do.
Study Links Bananas, Oats and Yogurt to Greater Diabetes Risk in Susceptible Children
Children who are susceptible to Type 1 diabetes and eat bananas, oats and yogurt are more likely to contract the disease, while consuming strawberries and blueberries lowers the risk, research has found.
Wheat also emerged from the study as a risk factor for the autoimmune form of diabetes, while vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage have a protective effect.
The professor behind the findings said the fact that some fruits contain traces of pesticides may explain why some of them heighten, but others cut, the risk of Type 1 diabetes.
The researchers analyzed 34 different food groups and found that the more fruits such as bananas, oats or rye children ate, the greater their risk of getting the disease.
That finding may perplex parents because, Virtanen added, “many of the foods that we found to be associated with increased risk of Type 1 diabetes and the disease process are considered part of a healthy diet.”
However, in contrast, eating strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackcurrants and other berries seemed to protect children from the condition. The more they ate, the lower their risk.
Anthrax Outbreak Kills Moose and ‘Multiple Beef Herds’ in Wyoming
Several animals have been found dead due to infection by anthrax in Wyoming.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department announced on Sept. 3 that a dead moose had tested positive for anthrax in Carbon County, while on the same day, the Wyoming Livestock Board shared that “multiple beef herds located in Carbon County” had also been found to be infected with anthrax.
“This recent detection in a moose is the only documented case reported in wildlife at this time. The last confirmed case of anthrax in wildlife in Wyoming was in 1956 in Sublette County,” the Wyoming Game and Fish Department said in a statement.
“This is the first confirmed anthrax in Wyoming cattle since the 1970s,” the Wyoming Livestock Board said.
Cantaloupe Recalled for Possible Salmonella Contamination: See Which States Are Impacted
Cantaloupes sold in grocery stores in five states are being recalled due to potential salmonella contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Eagle Produce LLC of Scottsdale, Arizona initiated a recall of 224 cases of whole cantaloupe, the FDA posted online Sept. 6.
The recall comes on the heels of a salmonella outbreak last year linked to cantaloupe that left at least a half dozen people dead and sickened hundreds across the U.S and Canada, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention previously reported.
The latest recall is the result of routine sample testing conducted by state health officials in Michigan who found Salmonella in some cantaloupe sold at various retail distributors.
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Eggs From Bonduel Farm; 42 Illnesses in Wisconsin, No Deaths
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported:
A salmonella outbreak has been linked to eggs from Milo’s Poultry Farms in Bonduel, Wisconsin.
People in nine states have been infected, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No deaths have been reported.
Of the 65 illnesses, 42 are in Wisconsin, and 24 people have been hospitalized. People who became sick range in age from two to 88.
The number of sick people is likely higher than the number reported, since many recover without seeing a health care provider and are not tested for salmonella.
The eggs were sold to stores and restaurants in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan and recalled on Sept. 6.
The recall includes all chicken egg types, such as cage-free or organic, all cases and carton sizes, all expiration dates, and labeled with “Milo’s Poultry Farms” or “Tony’s Fresh Market.”
Conflicts of Interest Taint the Independence of EFSA
In July, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) appointed new experts for the GMO Panel, which is responsible for the assessment of genetically engineered organisms.
Research conducted by Testbiotech has found that the panel now includes a large number of researchers involved in the development of genetically engineered plants, some of whom have links to industry, and are actively lobbying for the deregulation of new genetic engineering techniques (NGT).
The panel is responsible for the risk assessment of genetically engineered plants and for developing risk assessment guidelines.
Testbiotech has previously uncovered a number of cases of conflicts of interest in the panel. It has now taken a closer look at the official declarations of interest submitted by the newly appointed experts.
The research shows that almost half of the 16 panel members are involved in the development of transgenic or NGT plants.
In a number of cases, there were or are collaborations with industry, such as Syngenta and Corteva (formerly Pioneer/DowDuPont).
Five experts on the panel have also applied for patents on transgenic or NGT plants, often together with companies. The chair of the GMO Panel even advises industry on EFSA risk assessment.
Canning Makes a Comeback: New Interest in Old-Time Food Preservation
There’s been a recent noticeable resurgence in home canning, a method of preserving food that was once a staple in American households.
This renewed interest is particularly strong among individuals who’ve never tried canning but like gaining self-sufficiency skills and control over their food supply. From young urbanites to rural families, people across the United States are turning to this traditional practice to preserve and connect meaningfully with their food.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, concerns about food security rose during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, more people began to cook at home and sought ways to preserve their food.
This trend has continued even as the pandemic has waned, driven by a growing interest in self-sufficiency, reducing food waste and a desire for healthier, additive-free food.
