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Sustainable FoodUnderstanding Labels
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There
are many food companies jumping on the sustainable food bandwagon and promoting
their products using vague but appealing words like “seasonal” and “natural”.
Don’t be tricked - ask questions and buy from farmers and grocers you trust. Some sustainable food products carry an
eco-label. This generally refers to
methods of production that reduces negative impacts on the environment, people,
animals, and communities, and gives back to these in ways that support a
healthy future. It can be challenging to know which eco-labels are
credible.
We recommend the following:
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USDA Organic The U.S. Department of Agriculture has put in place a set of
national standards that food labeled "organic" must meet, whether it
is grown in the United States or imported from other countries. Organic meat,
poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no
antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most
conventional pesticides.
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California’s “CA
Grown” label helps consumers identify foods
grown in CA.
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California Certified Organic Farmers - CCOF CCOF promotes and supports organic food and agriculture
through a premier organic certification program, trade support, producer and
consumer education and political advocacy. California Certified Organic Farmers
is a state agency that also certifies organic food producers.
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| Fair Trade Certified The Fair Trade Certified™ standards aim to ensure that
farmers and farm workers in developing nations receive a fair price for their
product; have direct trade relations with buyers and access to credit; and
encourage sustainable farming methods, without the use of a dozen of the most
harmful pesticides, and forced child labor. |
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| Rainforest Alliance Certified This ecolabel, as defined by the Rainforest Alliance, is a
conservation tool whereby an independent, third party awards a seal of approval
guaranteeing consumers that the products they are buying are the result of
practices carried out according to a specific set of criteria balancing
ecological, economic and so Sustainable
Agricultural Network.
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Marine Stewardship Council The MSC's fishery certification program and seafood eco-label
recognize and reward sustainable fishing. MSC is a global organization working
with fisheries, seafood companies, scientists, conservation groups and the
public to promote the best environmental choice in seafood.
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| Seafood for the Future Seafood for the Future is a non-profit seafood advisory and
promotional program based at the Aquarium of the Pacific. They are a team of
dedicated specialists whose mission is to encourage healthy and responsible
seafood choices. By choosing fish that are in healthy supply, we can give
dwindling fish populations a chance to recover and keep responsible fishermen
working.
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| Food Alliance Certified Food Alliance is a
nonprofit organization that certifies farms, ranches, and food processors and
distributors for sustainable agricultural and facility management practices. By
choosing Food Alliance Certified products, consumers and commercial food buyers
support safe and fair working conditions, humane treatment of animals, and good
environmental stewardship. |
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Last updated: Thursday, 06/16/2011
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