Key Words and Tricky Phrases: Do You Know Exactly What Your Putting In Your Shopping Cart?

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By mia

Have you ever noticed that it’s the subtle nuances that can make the most difference? For instance there’s a world of difference (for most it seems) between loving someone and being “in love” with someone. And, while many fish, egg, and dairy-eaters would taught themselves as “vegetarians”, others would “argue” that they are in fact….NOT.

So, suffice it to say that reading “between the lines” is necessary, especially when reading labels….and especially when it comes to this new “dietary health craze”.

Remember, just because you find something in a health food store or “organic” market doesn’t immediately or necessarily make it “good” or “good for you”. In fact there are subtle but distinct differences in the labels and what they mean.

USDA Organic: Overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture, the leading purveyor of food, agriculture and natural resources. Products labeled Organic refers to those items that contain at least 95 percent natural ingredients and are naturally grown sans specific pesticides or fertilizers as defined by the USDA’s National Organic Program. Not included are products that contain any nonagricultural ingredients not approved for use by the NOP (National Organic Program), such as phthalates and parabens.

Natural Products Association: Governed by a not for profit founded back in the 1930s, this group represents thousands of natural products, distributors, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. Products in “this” category mush contain ingredients that are 95 percent natural (which they define as those not having been processed sans any synthetic chemicals (synthetic chemicals being defined as parabens, phthalates and sodium laureth sulfate) that may result in potential health risks. Omitted also from this category are products for which there are natural options (chemical sunscreen for example).

Ecocert: Overseen by an internationally acclaimed, private organic organization founded in France back in the 90s, which is responsible for inspections in 80 countries. This organization mandates products are at least 95 percent natural and at least 10 percent certified organic including environmentally friendly packaging. They cannot contain most synthetic ingredients including fragrances and colourants, parabens, petrochemicals, and silicones.

Whole Foods Market Premium Body Care: Put forth by a nationwide chain of grocery stores that focus and specialize in natural and organic items. While these products contain most natural ingredients…there is no specific qualifying percentage (of them). However, products may not contain more than 5 percent petroleum or any of mor than 250 sythetic ingredients…among these: parabens, sodium lauryl and lauteth sulfates, polypropylene glycol, and chemical sunscreens.

* Note that most of these organization also do not approve of or allow animal testing.