Comments on: Are You Being Misled By the USDA’s Certified Organic Label?

By: Vin Miller

Vin Miller — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:41:23 +0000

Thanks, Raine! I agree that food labels will probably always be misleading, but as long as people are willing to put a little effort into learning about healthy food choices, they’ll be able to see through the deceptive advertising.

By: Raine Saunders

Raine Saunders — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:36:39 +0000

This is a great article, and related to something I only touched on in my article about reading labels in the store. I talk about all the terms that are loosely used and how they try to deceive consumers into thinking that what they are buying is healthy, when in reality it is often quite the opposite. I somehow doubt we’ll ever have truth in labeling, because if we did, those agri-giants products wouldn’t sell in the numbers they do, and many of those companies would have to shut their doors. And of course, that would never do for the controlling interests of food in this country. They wouldn’t surrender their money and power for really any reason that I can think of.

But, that’s why it’s important to have honest food growers and people who care about the integrity of the food they sell and its impact on human and animal health, the condition of the environment, and our future. Oh, and of course, I can’t forget to mention that if we didn’t have great blogs like this to help educate and blow the whistle on unethical and unhealthy practices that are in many cases unknown to many, we’d really be in trouble. So thanks for taking the time to care and do what you do Vin. It is appreciated!

By: Vin Miller

Vin Miller — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:50:27 +0000

Hi Corrina, thank you for sharing this link. One thing I’d like to see change is the rule that allows manufacturers to advertise “0g of trans fat” or “0g of sugar” when these ingredients do exist in the food but in amounts less than half a gram per serving.

By: Corrina - uRDietitian

Corrina - uRDietitian — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:57:53 +0000

Another great post! We need as many informed people as possible to visit the FDAs link (below) for submitting comments on nutrition label reform. You have until Jan. 15th to submit comments. Please focus comments on more important issues like; GMO food labeling, not allowing the adulteration of Organic labeling(check out the article below), banning deceptive marketing and labeling of products, such as the “added fiber” claims and added vitamins that aren’t bio-available, etc. We need Truth in labeling!

By: Vin Miller

Vin Miller — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:41:47 +0000

Thanks, Jonathan!

I agree that it’s not much different. The two industries actually work together in some regards. When you consider pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, fertilizers, etc., there’s a lot of overlap between the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries.

By: Vin Miller

Vin Miller — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:37:58 +0000

Hi Tina, thanks for your comment! Yes, food that has the USDA certified organic label can originate from other countries. Thanks for pointing that out. Thank you also for pointing out U.S. Wellness Meats. They're a great option for anyone who needs to order online. Blackwing Quality Meats is another great option.

By: Jonathan - Advanced Life Skills

Jonathan - Advanced Life Skills — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:43:49 +0000

Excellent work Vin, sad reality though. Giant agra businesses have the resources to buy the integrity of any organic food company showing a profit. They also buy the government regulatory organizations. It’s really no different than the giant pharmaceuticals labeling what they do as health care. Thanks for shining a bright light on this dark deception.

By: tina

tina — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:30:19 +0000

USDA organic does not mean that it’s a USA product. All of the frozen fruits and veggies I get organic are grown out of the country – usually CHINA. Next year I will try and grow most of my own veggies and some fruits and freeze them so I’m not stuck buying out of country products!

It’s very, very important to know that animal meat that’s labeled organic does not mean the animals were grass-fed or allowed to graze. These animals are still in confined areas and fed corn and soy which they’re not meant to eat. I get my meat from local farms that I’ve been to. The pigs are pastured and the cows are grass-fed.

I hate to see organic VEGETARIAN FED eggs in my local health food stores. Chickens are not vegetarians! They have beaks so the can peck for bugs and worms! They are confined in small cages and fed grains like corn and soy. Often times their beaks are trimmed off.

Vin, you forgot to mention Wellness Meats as an option for grass-fed humanely treated animals.