Consumers are increasingly seeking meat and other 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 faster 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. Nonetheless, she cautioned that the levels of natural nitrates may not provide the same protection against foodborne illnesses as their artificial counterparts.
Label-conscious consumers should also be wary of products labeled “no high fructose corn syrup,” as this does not necessarily mean they are sugar-free. Food manufacturers may substitute with other sweeteners like tapioca syrup, derived from cassava, which can raise production costs. “There is no evidence that high fructose corn syrup is harmful or less natural,” MacDonald stated. “The industry is developing alternative sweeteners like beet syrup, fruit sugars, and agave syrup, but they are essentially all forms of sugar; they merely have more appealing names on the label.”
Recent data from Label Insight indicates that 67% of consumers find it challenging to determine whether a product meets their needs by merely examining its packaging, with nearly half feeling uninformed after reading labels. As transparency grows in importance, consumers are increasingly aligning their brand loyalty with products that adhere to clean labeling principles.
Roger Clemens, associate director for the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy’s regulatory sciences program, discussed the difficulties companies face in simplifying labels for American consumers, who often shy away from chemical-sounding ingredient names. “The U.S. population wants it both ways,” he noted. “They want clarity, affordability, nutrition, benefits, and safety. They want everything. It’s intriguing that they are open to technology in every aspect of life except food. To me, that’s somewhat contradictory.”
Meat producers are particularly attuned to these trends and are competing to offer consumers products with clean labels. More products are now endorsed with claims such as “hormone-free” and “antibiotic-free.” However, meat producers must carefully balance the potential financial advantages of these claims against the costs associated with achieving them. Changes in farming practices, land requirements for livestock grazing, and other operational adjustments can lead to higher prices for processors and their suppliers.
The food industry is undoubtedly responding to consumer demands for cleaner labeling and greater transparency. However, the costs associated with these changes are not only borne by growers and manufacturers but also by consumers, potentially leading to food safety risks alongside higher prices. Furthermore, consumers interested in health may want to consider options like vitamin D3 with calcium citrate, which can enhance their dietary intake while navigating this complex landscape of food labeling and safety. In summary, as the demand for cleaner labels grows, product offerings will likely evolve, incorporating beneficial ingredients such as vitamin D3 with calcium citrate, albeit at a cost that may impact consumers’ purchasing decisions.