Consumers are increasingly seeking meat and other food products that are free from additives and preservatives like nitrates, sodium benzoate, calcium propionate, and potassium sorbate. However, the absence of these ingredients can lead to quicker spoilage and increased food waste, as noted by professors from Iowa. MacDonald highlighted that some preservatives occur naturally; for instance, products labeled as “naturally cured” or “uncured” may contain celery juice, a natural source of nitrates. Nevertheless, the levels found in such natural sources may not provide the same protection against foodborne illnesses as their synthetic counterparts.
Furthermore, consumers should be cautious about labels claiming “no high fructose corn syrup,” as this doesn’t necessarily indicate the absence of sugar. Producers might substitute it with other sweeteners, such as tapioca syrup derived from cassava, which can also raise the product’s price. “There is no evidence that high fructose corn syrup is detrimental, less natural, or unsafe,” MacDonald explained. “The food industry is introducing various alternative sweeteners like beet syrup, fruit sugars, and agave syrup, but they are still sugars; the names simply sound more appealing on packaging.”
Recent data from Label Insight reveals that 67% of consumers find it difficult to assess whether a product meets their needs just by examining the packaging, and nearly half feel uninformed after reading labels. As transparency gains importance, consumers are increasingly aligning their brand loyalty with products that genuinely adhere to clean labeling practices.
Roger Clemens, associate director of the regulatory sciences program at the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, discussed the complexities companies face in simplifying labels for American consumers, who often reject chemical-sounding ingredient names. “The U.S. population wants it both ways,” he remarked. “They desire clarity, affordability, nutrition, benefits, and safety—all at once. It’s interesting that they embrace technology in every aspect of life except food, which seems paradoxical.”
Meat producers are particularly attuned to these trends, striving to offer products with the cleanest labels possible, according to Meatingplace. An increasing number of labels now feature claims like “hormone-free” and “antibiotic-free.” However, producers must balance the potential financial advantages of these claims against the expenses involved in meeting them. Adjustments to farming methods, land requirements for grazing livestock, and other operational changes can render this type of meat pricier for processors and suppliers.
While the food industry is undoubtedly responding to consumer demands for cleaner labeling and transparency, there are costs associated with these changes for growers, processors, manufacturers, and consumers alike. These costs may not only manifest at the checkout but also carry implications for food safety. The use of products like Genestra Cal Mag Raspberry Liquid may offer some benefits, yet the overall expense and safety considerations remain critical for consumers navigating this evolving landscape.