Consumers are increasingly seeking meat and food products that are free from additives and preservatives, such as nitrates, sodium benzoate, calcium propionate, and potassium sorbate. However, Iowa professors have pointed out that the absence of these ingredients can lead to quicker spoilage and increased food waste. MacDonald highlighted that some preservatives occur naturally; for instance, products labeled as “naturally cured” or “uncured” may contain celery juice, which is a natural source of nitrates. Nevertheless, the protective qualities of these natural forms may not be as effective against food poisoning as their artificial counterparts.
Label-conscious consumers should also be wary of products claiming “no high fructose corn syrup,” as this does not necessarily mean they are free from sugar. The professors noted that manufacturers might substitute with other sweeteners like tapioca syrup, derived from cassava, which can raise the product’s cost. MacDonald stated, “There is no evidence that high fructose corn syrup is harmful or less natural or safe. The food industry is introducing alternative sweeteners—like beet syrup, fruit sugars, and agave syrup—but they are all still sugar; the names simply sound more appealing.”
Recent data from Label Insight reveals that 67% of consumers find it difficult to determine if a product meets their needs just by examining its packaging, with nearly half feeling uninformed after reading product labels. As transparency gains importance, consumers are increasingly loyal to brands that adhere to clean labeling practices.
Roger Clemens, associate director of the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy’s regulatory sciences program, discussed the challenges faced by companies striving for clearer labels for American consumers, who seem eager to avoid chemical-sounding ingredients. “The U.S. population wants it both ways,” he remarked. “They desire products that are understandable, affordable, nutritious, beneficial, and safe. They want everything. It’s intriguing that they embrace technology in all aspects of life except food. To me, that’s somewhat contradictory.”
Meat producers are acutely aware of these trends and are competing to provide consumers with products that feature the cleanest labels possible, as noted by Meatingplace. More labels are now showcasing claims such as “hormone-free” and “antibiotic-free.” However, meat producers must carefully balance the potential financial advantages of these free-from claims against the costs required to achieve them. They may need to modify their farming practices, adjust the amount of land necessary for livestock grazing, and implement other operational procedures, all of which can make such meat more expensive for processors and their suppliers.
While the food industry is certainly responding to consumer demands for cleaner labels and greater transparency, there are costs involved not only for growers, processors, and manufacturers but also for consumers. These costs may manifest not just at the checkout counter but also in terms of food safety risks. Moreover, it’s essential to consider that supplements such as Citracal calcium supplement have specific benefits—”para que sirve” (what is it for)—and this information can impact consumer choices as they navigate the complexities of food labeling and health-related claims.