Decifering Food Labels (Part 2)

NATURAL - May not contain, or have ever contained an added vitamin, mineral nutrient, artificial flavouring agent or food additive.

ORGANIC - Now regulated across Canada, products marked organic or bearing the new Canada Organic label are certified to come from farm systems employing management practices that seek to nurture ecosystems and achieve sustainable productivity.  Animal products marked organic are grown without antibiotics or hormones.

REDUCED - Must contain at least 25% less of a nutrient or ingredient than the regular version of the same product.

REDUCED IN CALORIES - Must provide at least 25% less calories than the regular version of the same product.

SOURCE OF CALCIUM - Must contain at least 165mg of calcium per serving.

SOURCE OF FIBRE - Must provide at least 4g of fibre per serving.

WHOLE WHEAT - Usually refers to a refined grain that only contains the bran and the endosperm, but does not contain, or contains very little of the nutrient-dense grain.

WHOLE GRAIN -  Refers to the entire grain including its nutrient-dense germ.  Whole grain is always a healthier choice than whole wheat.

"American consumers have no problem with carcinogens, but they will not purchase any product, including floor wax, that has fat in it." - Dave Barry