This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 11th, 2007 at 3:43am and is filed under Food Production. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
A new survey says U.S. consumers have greater faith in activists and retail grocers than the government or food companies. The survey sponsors (an ag communications firm) say 64% of the general population believes consumer advocates and activist organizations “have their best interests in mind.” Wow. What’s sad about this is that the government came in fourth on the list at 47% after retail grocers and food manufacturers, but ahead of also-ran fast food companies. Does this really mean that a majority of randomly selected Americans believe teenage grocery clerks are going to advise me on my food choices? Or that I should listen to an activist group that attracts its members and funds by putting out press releases that terrorize us about our food? Ummmm, anyone got a better idea?
December 12th, 2007 at 9:48am
Activists have their place and are important for bringing issues to light. HOWEVER, their message is more often than not, one-sided or slanted to support a point. I am by nature a trusting person, but have come to read everything in food/ag issues with a devil’s advocate view, wondering how other sectors/viewopoints would present it. As my Dad used to say; there are at least three sides to every story-yours, mine and the truth.
December 13th, 2007 at 10:39am
I think people trust the food and labels on the food they get at local retail stores, not the pre-teen baggers.
There is a big disconnect between people and their food…and people and the government if people do not realize it is THAT machine which sets the rules which creates the labels on their food. It is sad and frustrating.
March 12th, 2008 at 10:04am
I find labels so confusing! I look at the meat case and there are so many different kinds of labels — it’s overwhelming and feels kind of like a marketing scam. I just buy what looks good and is in my budget. When it comes to things like toothpaste, I don’t even want to talk about it. There are so many different types of brands that I nearly have an epileptic seizure trying to decide what to buy. Goodness gracious — is “brand manager” a new well-paid MBA career path and do we all have to suffer because it is?
March 12th, 2008 at 12:07pm
Suzannabanna23–YES, labels can be confusing! With the multiple claims that appear on packaging, you might be surprised to learn that all these labels ARE regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and sometimes the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). FDA requires that food labels convey information that is truthful and not misleading…which is why there’s an active debate now on what products can be categorized as “natural.” Right now that label is open to interpretation, but FDA has been petitioned to define when “natural” can be used to promote a product.
USDA has established clear guidelines for labeling foods organic — and notes that they have done so to provide clear guidance for marketing purposes, not health and safety. The organic label helps consumers to know how a food was produced, and isn’t a testament to health or safety. There are four labeling categories that can be viewed here: http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Consumers/brochure.html. I hope this helps clear up labeling confusion for you!
March 12th, 2008 at 12:21pm
Help! I think I’m just more confused. I guess “price” will continue to be the most important label for me!