New FDA Nutritional Revision Leaves Out Gluten-Free Again

The folks at Fooducate have shared a draft of First Lady's Let's Move initiative to tweak the nutritional label for consumers to make better choices when they read labels. The conundrum with food labeling is that the majority of packaging is all product branding, butterflies, puppies, persuasive text, colors and other magical imagery. Of those consumers who decide to read the nutritional information, it requires intense concentration in store to do mathematics in their head to multiply serving size x info in the chart, attempt to understand what the % of daily value signifies and make an informed decision for themselves and their family. And who is making the decisions about what it all really means? There usually is hidden sugar, confusing fat data and lack of sourced ingredients to make a completely informed decision on whether this brand's product is any good or just another unhealthy snack that should only be eaten in moderation (at most).

Change The World, Scarecrow

Can you tell which brand is behind this highly charged movement? Watch the dramatic Scarecrow teaser and consider downloading the app if you want to have fun and it connects with your values.

Everyday, I walk in and out of this world and I find myself learning something new about food all of the time. Typically, I can see in a storefront from afar and guess what is likely being offered inside. Or I can smell the bakery of sandwich shop down the corner.

But do you know what you're truly eating? Do you care about each ingredient and the source of it's manufacturing? Where was this dairy farmed and what are their manufacturing processes?  Can you trust the food labeling and marketing behind an old brand who hasn't evolved it's ingredient recipe despite it's "great taste"? Is this all too much to worry about or are you taking some steps forward for yourself and your family/friends health?

Non-GMO Food Regulation Is Coming (Watch Two Videos)

Gluten-Free Labeling FDA Update

GOOD NEWS vs BAD NEWS

Last week we heard news from the FDA that they're finally regulating food packaging for voluntary use of "gluten-free" labeling whether made in USA or imported into the USA for a mandate of <20ppm. This is a heavy topic so let's analyze it together to get a better understanding of what this means now and tomorrow for gluten-free consumers.

Organic, All-Natural, Free-Range Food Labeling Confusion

Are you confused by labels at the grocery store when shopping for meat, dairy, fruits, veggies and more? I sure am... because many manufacturers don't follow approved certifications because it's either expensive, a lot of work to undergo or they just don't care. Here is a large list of my understanding on many common approved food labels as well as non-approved labels (self-labeling) that you may think are safe, but may be risky to yourself, family and even the community.

Certified Labels: 

These are 3rd party verified by either USDA or non-profit groups that ensure protocol and ongoing practices are met to retain the approved and certified labeling. Often the labeling has a cost that could be expensive, too, so know that some farmers truly care.  These are to be trusted, but products could change over time. 

Fair Trade 

Often seen on coffee, bananas, tea, cocoa, sugar and is enforced by the non gov, Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO) and if in the US by Fair Trade USA. Further, this signifies employees received fair wages, shelter, health, safety, may be in trade unions and any forced labor is prohibited. Very cool if you ask me.

GF FDA Regulations Coming!

Gluten-Free in the mainstream for the right cause yesterday.  CBS reports that the FDA mentions they will push regulations to monitor Gluten-Free claims.

The issues, as shared many times before, are that companies are not held accountable for claiming gluten-free labeling, which has nearly no regulations to date. And to max out the trials and tribulations that those with Celiac Disease suffer vs those with are on the gluten free band wagon.