Is Your All-Purpose Cleaning Spray Secretly Harming You?

Top health organizations like the CDC, World Health Organization, and American Lung Association are raising red flags: Many popular cleaners and disinfectants aren't just bad for the environment—they could be damaging your health. GenEo

While these products might seem harmless during regular use, countless multi-purpose sprays contain toxic chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled—especially with frequent exposure. American Lung Organization

Research shows that many common cleaners are linked to a terrifying list of health problems:

• Birth defects, asthma, allergies, and cancer
• Increased risk of ADHD and autism GenEo
• Damage to gut microbiome Plantifulclean

But that’s not all. Our obsession with cleanliness may be making us sicker.

Oversanitation is linked to allergies, asthma, obesity, digestive issues, and autoimmune disorders. And get this—according to a study in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, those fancy antibacterial formulas you’ve been using? They’re no more effective than good old soap and water. Time

The average household cleaner is a cocktail of chemicals that sound scientific and safe. But behind their sterile names lies a harsh reality:

Phthalates: Linked to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and developmental problems. 

Chlorine Bleach: Causes breathing difficulties and can trigger asthma attacks.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats): Common in disinfectants. Evidence suggests these compounds may have respiratory, endocrine, and reproductive effects. EWG

Frangrance: Can include harmful chemicals linked to reproductive harm, aquatic toxicity, allergens, and hormone disruption. Frangrance can include Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) and Phthalates. Women's Voices Lung.org Ethical Consumer

PFAS: Group of synthetic chemicals that are also known as "forever chemicals" and are used in dishwashing rinse aids, glass cleaners, and air fresheners. They have been linked to cancer, reproductive and immune system harm. EWG

Make Effective Cleaners Using Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Castile Soap!

Baking Soda: The Gentle Yet Powerful Cleaner - Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile and safe cleaning agent known for its mild abrasive properties that effectively remove dirt and grime. It’s also a powerful deodorizer. While baking soda has some antimicrobial properties and can help eliminate mild mold infestations by absorbing moisture and disrupting mold growth, it’s not strong enough for severe mold issues. However, it remains a reliable, non-toxic choice for everyday cleaning. AllRecipes EuroMaids

White Vinegar: Nature’s Disinfectant - White vinegar, made of acetic acid, is a powerful natural disinfectant with antimicrobial properties capable of killing bacteria, viruses, and around 82% of mold species. It's especially effective when mixed with water for cleaning glass, countertops, and stovetops. A 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water creates a natural cleaner that can combat germs like salmonella and E. coli. Additionally, vinegar neutralizes odors but should be avoided on surfaces like granite and marble to prevent damage. Health Line

Castile Soap: The Gentle Yet Effective Cleaner - Castile soap, made from vegetable oils, is a safe, versatile, and gentle all-purpose cleaner. Its unique molecular structure helps lift away dirt, grease, and grime from surfaces. While it doesn’t directly kill bacteria, viruses, or mold, it effectively removes germs and mold spores by binding to them and washing them away. Diluting Castile soap with water (1 part soap to 10 parts water) creates a gentle yet powerful dish soap. Lung.org Safer Cleaning Recipes

Here are five packaging concerns to be mindful of if you're unable to make your own cleaning products:

1.  Insufficient Safety Warnings on Packaging

While cleaning products have safety warnings on their packaging, more comprehensive warnings are often found on the product's website.

For example, Fantastik includes a basic warning: "Keep out of reach of children and pets." However, if you visit the product's website and check the warning section, you'll discover more detailed guidance. It recommends washing thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco, or using the bathroom.

The bottom left corner of the Fantastik bottle lists Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) as active ingredients, which can be potentially harmful.

Other cleaning products that contain QACs include Lysol Kitchen Pro Spray Cleaner and Degreaser, as well as Clean Shower Daily Shower Cleaner.

2. Incomplete Ingredient Disclosure

It's crucial to be mindful of the chemicals you’re spraying in your home and inhaling into your lungs.

In the U.S., manufacturers are not legally required to disclose all ingredients in consumer products. The EPA’s labeling regulations for cleaning products are minimal, requiring only basic details like a product identifier, signal word, and hazard statements. However, these requirements are quite limited and often omit important information. Cleaning Product Label Requirements

As a result, many cleaning product labels are incomplete, leaving consumers in the dark about the true contents of the products they’re using.

For example, the label on Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Grime Fighter lists only two ingredients, making up just 0.3% of the product. The remaining 99.7% is labeled as "inert ingredients." But are these inert ingredients simply water, or could they be something harmful?Scrubbing Bubbles Label

3. Fragrance Risks

The EPA does not require manufacturers to disclose the ingredients used in Fragrance.

Fragrance can be derived from natural sources or synthetic chemicals and often includes a complex mix of substances that are simply labeled as “Fragrance.” For example, heavily scented products like Fabuloso contain Lilial, a reproductive toxin, while synthetic musks like Galaxolide and OTNE—harmful to aquatic life—are present in brands such as Mrs. Meyers and Method. Women's Voices

Additionally, phthalates, hormone-disrupting chemicals commonly found in Fragrance, have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, birth defects, respiratory diseases, and chemical burns. Ethical Consumer

Dawn Platinum Power Wash lists Fragrance as an ingredient. But what exactly does that include?

4. Deceptive Product Naming

Labels such as Green, Clean, Natural, and Fresh can be misleading, as they don't always indicate a safer product. These appealing terms are often used for marketing and branding rather than reflecting genuine safety.

For instance, Mrs. Meyers Clean Day All Purpose Cleaner Spray lists Fragrance as the third ingredient, right after water and Decyl Glucoside.

5. Opt for Safer Choice and Green Seal Certifications

                          

                        

The Safer Choice Certified Label signifies that every ingredient in a product has been disclosed to the EPA's Safer Choice program for thorough evaluation. To earn this label, products must meet strict standards ensuring that each ingredient is safe for human health and the environment. This assessment covers factors like carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, aquatic toxicity, and environmental persistence. EPA

The EPA Safer Choice Product List provides a comprehensive list of approved Safer Choice cleaning products.

Green Seal is a global nonprofit dedicated to protecting human health and the environment by promoting the use of safer, more sustainable products. GreenSeal

The GreenSeal Product List offers a directory of certified cleaning products. 

Although the harmful effects of PFAS are well-known, some manufacturers still include them in cleaning products. However, both Safer Choice and Green Seal certifications strictly prohibit the use of PFAS in certified products. EWG PFAS

Choose Wisely: Not All Gluten-Free Baking Flours Are The Same!

I started baking gluten-free bread because store-bought gluten-free wraps and bread often contain over 20 ingredients! My favorite brand, Toufayan Tortilla Wraps, for example, has 22 ingredients, including additives like fumaric acid and mono- and diglycerides. I’d rather avoid eating that! Toufayan Gluten Free Wraps,  

Trader Joe's Gluten-Free Bread also contains over 20 ingredients, including sodium acid pyrophosphate and calcium sulfate. Trader Joe's Gluten Free Bread

If you’re already baking your own gluten-free bread or are considering giving this healthy option a try, it’s important to choose your flours wisely.

Outlined below are four tips for baking the healthiest gluten-free bread.

1.  Not All Gluten-Free All-Purpose Baking Flours Are Created Equal

I used to pick up any gluten-free flour blend available at the grocery store without thinking much about it. But then I started wondering if there might be a healthier option.

Most store-bought gluten-free baking flours are actually blends of various flours. These combinations are carefully formulated, but the specific ingredients can vary widely from brand to brand.

For example, many commonly include rice flour as a base along with additional ingredients such as pea flour (Pillsbury Best Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend) or sorghum flour (Bob's Red Mill All-Purpose and Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flours). Meanwhile, Great Value All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour features garbanzo bean and fava bean flours. 

I compared the nutritional profiles of Divided Sunset Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour and Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free All-Purpose Baking Flour, and Bob's Red Mill clearly stands out. It contains fiber and iron, which are completely absent in Divided Sunset. Plus, Bob's Red Mill has higher levels of calcium and protein, making it a more nutrient-dense option.

Divided Sunset Flour includes added salt, but I prefer to control the amount of salt in my recipes. It also contains xanthan gum, which can complicate recipe adjustments since the amount of xanthan gum is already preset.

             

Although the ingredients varied, when I tested four different gluten-free flour blends using the same Honey White Bread recipe, I found that the bread's taste and texture remained surprisingly consistent across all blends.

2. Create Your Own Flour Blend with Single-Ingredient Flours

Rice is a staple ingredient in most gluten-free flour blends due to its wide availability, neutral flavor, and ability to produce gluten-free baked goods with a pleasant texture.

However, while white rice provides carbohydrates, it’s lacking in protein and fiber—both of which are essential for satiety and balanced nutrition.

Since I eat a lot of homemade gluten-free bread, I decided it was time to incorporate a variety of nutrient-rich gluten-free flours into my baking.

For my sourdough bread, I combine equal parts of chickpea flour, oat flour, quinoa flour, and rice flour. While the result isn’t as soft and airy as bread made primarily with rice flour, it has a wonderful flavor and is a much healthier alternative to using only rice flour.

Chickpea flour is rich in protein and fiber and provides a good source of iron, magnesium, and folate. Quinoa flour is packed with fiber, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. Oat flour offers plenty of dietary fiber, along with protein, iron, and essential B vitamins.

Incorporating these flours into your baking not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the protein, fiber, and nutrient content, making your baked goods more balanced and nutritious.

You could also experiment by adding coconut flour, corn flour (maize), sorghum flour and/or almond flour to your blends. 

If you're feeling adventurous, you might try zucchini flour, green banana flour or Jerusalem artichoke flour—if you can find them. Alternatively, you can go the DIY route and use a dehydrator to make your own specialty flours!

Adding xanthan gum separately gives you the flexibility to adjust the amount based on your recipe's specific needs, helping you achieve optimal results and create even more delicious baked goods.

3.  Single-Ingredient Flours Are Free from Additives

As mentioned earlier, some commercial flour blends include added ingredients like salt, xanthan gum, and others. By opting for single-ingredient flours and mixing your own blends, you can be confident that your flour contains no unwanted additives.

4.  How to Your Create Own Single-Ingredient Flours

Surprisingly, chemicals are sometimes used in the production of gluten-free flours. For example, while the process of making chickpea flour is typically simple and chemical-free, some commercial methods may involve the use of chemicals for purposes like de-oiling or improving flowability. Science Direct

By making your own flours at home, you can ensure they are completely free from additives and chemicals.

Making your own flours at home is both simple and more cost-effective than purchasing store-bought single-ingredient flours.

For instance, Quaker Oat Flour costs $0.81 per ounce, whereas Quaker Oats are just $0.13 per ounce. Similarly, Bob's Red Mill Chickpea Flour is priced at $0.81 per ounce, while Bob's Red Mill Chickpeas cost only $0.36 per ounce.

To make oat, quinoa, or chickpea flour, simply add around two cups of your chosen ingredient to a high-speed blender (such as a Vitamix) and blend on high for about 30 seconds. Transfer the freshly made flour to a sealed jar to maintain its freshness.

When using conventional (non-organic) chickpeas, soak them overnight, dehydrate them, and then grind them into flour. This extra step ensures a cleaner and fresher final product.

If you don’t plan to use your flours within two to three weeks, store them in the refrigerator to maintain their fresh taste.

To make white or brown rice flour. freeze a thin layer of rice on a cookie sheet before grinding in the blender.

Freezing the rice beforehand helps create a finer flour with smaller particle sizes. The frozen rice becomes more brittle, making it easier to break down into smaller particles during grinding, which results in a smoother, more consistent texture in the flour.

Essential Tips for Perfectly Canning Tomatoes

 

Tomatoes, bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients, are a culinary delight. These versatile gems elevate dishes like chili, beans and rice, and soups to new heights.

Imagine savoring the taste of summer even in the depths of winter—canning fresh, local tomatoes makes this dream a reality. Capture the essence of sunny days and vibrant flavors all year round!

Canning is the process in which foods are placed in jars and heated to a temperature that destroys microorganisms and inactivates enzymes. This heating and later cooling forms a vacuum seal. The vacuum seal prevents other microorganisms from recontaminating the food in the jar.*  

The canning recipe from the National Center for Home Preservation for Crushed Tomatoes (no added liquid is a safe and tested method. Canned crushed tomatoes are delicious and easy to prepare.

Given below is a summary for canning tomatoes: 

1.  Wash tomatoes 

2.  Place tomatoes in boiling water for 3 -5 minutes until peels split

3. Place tomatoes in cold water for 5 minutes and then peel (save peels for later use, see below for explanation)

4.  Cut off ends and hard pieces in the core 

5.  Cut tomatoes into large pieces

6.  Boil tomatoes for 5 minutes

7.  Pressure can or Water Bath can tomatoes

Essential Tips for Perfectly Canning Tomatoes

1.  Opt for Seasonal Tomatoes:  Purchase tomatoes in bulk during their peak season when they are more affordable and full of flavor.

2.  Any Variety of Tomato: The type of tomato doesn't matter. I've tried many kinds and haven't noticed a difference in taste or consistency when making crushed tomatoes.

3. Roma Tomatoes Are Easy to Peel: Though smaller than other varieties, Roma tomatoes are easier to peel. Simply boil them for five minutes and then cool them; the peels will slip off easily by hand. For larger tomatoes, a knife is often needed to remove some of the peel.

4.  Prepare Tomatoes in Advance: If you don't have time to prepare and can tomatoes in one day, it's fine to prepare them the day before. Complete steps 1-6 and store them in the refrigerator. Be sure to boil the tomatoes for five minutes before filling the canning jars.

5. Seeds Are Fine: There's no need to remove the seeds before canning. Cooking tomato seeds along with the tomatoes generally doesn't affect the flavor significantly. While raw tomato seeds have a mild, somewhat bitter taste, this becomes subtle and often unnoticed when cooked. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a high-speed blender before using the canned tomatoes.

6.  Save the Peels:  When preparing tomatoes, keep the peels. You can dry them in an oven or dehydrator, then powder them to use as a nutritious seasoning in various dishes.

7.  Lemon Juice or Citric Acid: It is important to add an acid when canning. I've used both lemon juice and citric acid without noticing any difference in taste.

8.  Limit the Salt: It's easy to add salt when you're ready to eat your canned tomatoes, but you can't remove it if you add too much during canning. I usually use half the salt listed in the recipe and then add more to taste when serving the tomatoes.

9.  Choose Your Canning Method: Most tomato recipes provide instructions for both pressure canning and water bath canning. The method you choose should depend on the type of canner you have. For water bath canning, a tall stock pot will suffice. For pressure canning, you'll need a pressure canner, which is different from a pressure cooker or an Instant Pot. I've used both methods and haven't noticed any difference in taste or consistency.

Crushed tomatoes are fantastic in these recipes:  mushroom chili, tomato juice, beans and rice and tomato soup.

* So Easy To Preserve, 6th edition, Cooperative Extension The University of Georgia/Athens, revised by Elizabeth L. Andress, Ph.D. and Judy A. Harrison, Ph.D., 2014

NEW! Bioengineered / GMO Food Label

GMO = Bioengineered

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) are now referred to as BIOENGINEERED. 

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) established a new national mandatory requirement to disclose foods that are bioengineered/GMO or have bioengineered/GMO ingredients. 

The goal of the new disclosure law is to require food producers to inform customers about the foods and ingredients that come from bioengineered/GMO crops. AllianceforScience

Bioengineered/GMO crops include soy, cotton, corn, canola and sugar beets grown through genetic techniques. USDA

Many bioengineered/GMO crops are used to make ingredients that are in processed foods such as cornstarch, corn syrup, soybean oil, canola oil, cottonseed oil, and sugar. FDA

Additional bioengineered/GMO ingredients include: Aspartame, Nutrasweet, baking powder, MSG (monosodium glutamate), alcohol and baby formula. Mamavation

Fresh fruit and vegetables that are bioengineered/GMO include potatoes, summer squash, apples, papayas, and pink pineapples. FDA

The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law (NBFDL) and USDA’s regulations require all foods and ingredients that are bioengineered/GMO to have a disclosure or label using one of four methods.

1. Text on the food product packaging such as as “this is a bioengineered food” or “contains bioengineered ingredients”.

2. Bioengineering label on the packaging.

   

3. Electronic or digital link on the package such as a QR code, bar code, or SmartLabel.

The link takes you to an online webpage with disclosure information.

4. Phone number on the package which you can call or text to receive information about the bioengineered content. 

*Note that the required bioengineered/GMO disclosure/label is not always readily apparent. Look at your package closely!  The majority of packages do not include the big green Bioengineered label.  Most packaging has a very small disclosure statement in tiny font near the ingredients list.  

Foods That Are Not Included in the the New Bioengineering/GMO Disclosure Law 

There are several exemptions from the new law.  Ultra-proccesed foods which have no detectable modified DNA do not have to be identified as bioengineered/GMO. This type of ingredient includes: sugar, corn oil, canola oil and high fructose corn syrup. AllianceforScience

Also, there are no requirements to tell you if an animal was fed bioengineered/GMO crops, or if the meat in a prepared food (like a frozen meal) was produced with bioengineering/GMO ingredients. Rainbow Acres

What is Bioengineered/GMO?

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. Organisms are plants, animals, bacteria, or viruses.  Genetically modified organisms are organisms that have had their DNA changed using science. Scientists can take the trait of one organism and inject it into another organism's DNA to change it.

Bioengineered or GMO is when the genetic structure of a plant or animal has been scientifically modified in a lab to produce a new crop that will be better for farming. Rainbow Acres  

Why Grow Bioengineered/GMO Crops?

Bioengineered/GMO crops have resulted in a 22% increase in agricultural yield and a 68% increase in farmers’ profit. National Library of Medicine

With bioengineering/GMO farmers are able to spray the herbicide Glysophate / RoundUp

on soy, corn and cotton plants for weed prevention without killing the crop itself. Forbes

Bt Corn was developed to produce the insecticide Bt toxin. With this toxin, the corn is able to resist pests. HealthLine

Bioengineered techniques can also enhance foods’ nutrients, flavor, and appearance. HealthLine  For example, Golden Rice was developed to prevent blindness. HealthLine  Browning Resistant Apples were created so that sliced apples do not brown when exposed to air. ScientificAmerican

Volume of Bioengineered/GMO Crops

Large scale commercial production of bioengineered/GMO crops began in 1994 and has rapidly expanded. National Library of Medicine

Over the last 28 years, the use of genetic modification has become an industry standard. 

USDA

Today bioengineered/GMO crops are incredibly common in the US, with at least 90% of soy, cotton, and corn grown through genetic techniques. HealthLine 

The graph above indicates that in 2020, bioengineered/GMO canola and sugar beets made up 100% of all seeds planted. 

Why Isn't Wheat Bioengineered/GMO?

Globally wheat is the most widely grown cereal crop, farmed on more acres than any other commercial crop. EngageTheChain Wheat is produced on the third most acres in the US  following corn and soybeans. AgricultureMarket

Because wheat tends to be used directly as a human food ingredient and because of consumer concerns about genetically modified food, there is less investment in genetic engineering in wheat as compared to corn and soybeans. AgricultureMarket

Bioengineered/GMO wheat has never been grown for commercial purposes due to consumer fears about allergens and toxicities when used for bread, pasta and pastries.  Bioengineered/GMO varieties of corn and soy, used for animal feed, biofuels and ingredients like cooking oil, are common. Reuters

Concerns with Bioengineering/GMO

According to the FDA bioengineered/GMO foods are as healthy and safe to eat as non-bioengineered/GMO products. FDA.gov

However, twenty six countries including France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Russia, China, and India have partially or fully banned bioengineered/GMO crops. National Library of Medicine

Also, 64 countries, including Russia, China, Brazil, Australia, Turkey, South Africa and part of the European Union require mandatory bioengineered/GMO food labeling. Center for Food Safety

The main concerns around bioengineered/GMO crops include allergies, cancer, and environmental issues. While current research suggests few risks, more long term research is needed. HealthLine

Since the purpose of most bioengineered/GMO crops is to tolerate pesticides there are significantly more pesticides in our soils, waterways and air than ever before, and more exposure for people who work directly with or around pesticides. FoodPrint

The six biggest producers of bioengineered/GMO seeds are also the biggest producers of chemical herbicides and insecticides. Monsanto’s Roundup Ready crops, for example, are genetically engineered to be immune to herbicide so that farmers can destroy weeds without killing their crops. But the process has made Roundup resistant weeds, leading farmers to apply greater and greater doses of the chemical or even resort to more toxic methods to battle back the superweeds. MotherJones

If you are interested in more information on the herbicide Glysophate (RoundUP) this podcast gives a good explanation on the impact to our health: Just Ingedients Podcast

Four Awesome Food Labels To Look For

           

 

   

Most people (including myself) rely on food packaging for information on ingredients, nutritional value, and how it was produced. You have probably noticed the nutrition facts panel on your food packaging. The panel includes serving size, calories and nutrients. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates packaged food sold in the US and requires the nutrition facts panel and a list of ingredients.

Food and beverage companies frequently provide additional food labels which are not required by the FDA. The labels provide claims about the product such as how the animals were raised, if the seeds for produce are nonGMO or the quantity of whole grain.

Four common healthy food labels include: USDA Organic, NonGMO Project Verified, rBST Free and 100% Whole Grain.

1.  The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Organic label has been around since 2002 and is an awesome label to ensure your food is healthy.

Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 to establish national standards. The final rule went into effect in 2002 requiring that organic farmers and processors must be certified by a State or private agency accredited under national standards in order to use the USDA Organic label. USDA.gov

The use of genetic engineering, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), is prohibited in organic products. This means an organic farmer can’t plant GMO seeds, an organic cow can’t eat GMO alfalfa or corn, and an organic soup producer can’t use any GMO ingredients. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones.

To meet the USDA Organic regulations, farmers and processors must show they aren’t using GMOs and that they are protecting their products from contact with prohibited substances. USDA.gov

In order to make an organic claim or use the USDA Organic Label the final product must follow strict production, handling and labeling standards and go through the organic certification process. The standards address a variety of factors such as soil quality, animal raising practices, and pest and weed control (including Glysophate / RoundUp).

The use of sewage sludge and irradiation cannot be used in USDA Organic foods. USDA.gov

The USDA Organic certification does not allow the use of Hexane which is a highly flammable EPA listed air pollutant that is used in the manufacture of cleaning agents, glues, roof sealer and automobile tires.  

Hexane is also used in making energy bars, veggie burgers and soy, corn and canola oils. If these food products are not certified organic some of the ingredients have probably been processed with hexane. Since hexane is used in the manufacturing process, it is not listed as an ingredient, though residues find their way into the finished product. MetroSiliconValley

The use of the animal food additive, Ractopomine is also not allowed in USDA Organic products.

There are many benefits to eating foods which do not contain pesticides. Pesticides have been found to cause cancer, neurological effects and reproductive effects on farmworkers, their children and other community members who live near farms where pesticides are applied. International Agency for Research on Cancer

Organic grass fed meat and milk have more healthy fats in them, because the animals are raised on grass. In addition organic meat and eggs are raised without growth hormones, unnecessary antibiotics or other additives. FoodPrints

USDA Organic certification is applicable for all food categories: grains, produce, dairy, and meat, poultry and eggs.

2.  The NonGMO Project Verified label is another excellent label for healthy food. It has been around since 2007.

The NonGMO Project is a nonprofit organization protecting your right to know what's in your food. The NonGMO Project administers North America's most rigorous certification for avoiding GMOs. NonGMO Project

NonGMO Project Verified products have gone through strict assessments and programs to minimize the risk of GMO contamination.

While this certification prohibits GMOs it is not as rigorous as the USDA Organic certification. The NonGMO certification does not include any type of restrictions for synthetic pesticides, herbicides such as Glysophate / RoundUp, the use of sewage sludge, antibiotics, growth hormones, hexane or the feed additive, Ractopomine.

Grains, produce, dairy, and meat, poultry and eggs can all be certified NonGMO Project Verified.

3.  The rBST Free label is an outstanding label to ensure dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt do not contain synthetic growth hormones. The guidelines for rBST Free labeling were initiated in 1994 by the FDA. Mass.gov

 

rBST stands for recombinant Bovine SomatoTropin also known by its Monsanto trade name Posilac. It is a synthetic genetically engineered growth hormone that is injected into cows to increase milk production. CGA

It is also known as: rbGH (recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone) or BGH (Bovine Growth Hormone).

Because cows' milk contains some rBST naturally, there is no test that proves milk has come from a cow treated with the synthetic hormone. SuperMarketNews

In order to place the rBST label on food packaging the FDA guidelines require documentation showing that rBST was not given to cows for milk production. SuperMarketNews

There is evidence that the use of rBST can cause an increased risk of mastitis, an infection of a cow’s udder, which is commonly treated with antibiotics. The results of antibiotics found in milk has been linked to increased risk of breast, colon, and prostate cancer. AggieTranscript

The rBST Free label can be found on cottage cheese, milk, and other dairy products.

*Note - some packaging does not have a rBST Free label but a statement: "Our farmers have pledged to not treat any of their cows with any artificial growth hormones."

4.  The Whole Grain label is a wonderful label to make sure you are eating healthy grains. The terms "wheat" and "grain" alone don't always guarantee that the product is made with whole grain.

The FDA has not established labeling standards for whole grains. However, the US based Whole Grains Council has created a set of guidelines for whole grain labeling and uses labels  on food packaging to help consumers identify approved whole grain products. Food Insight

The Whole Grain label indicates that the grain is "whole" which means it has not been processed, bleached or filtered. Whole grains or foods made from them contain all the essential parts and naturally occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed in their original proportions. Whole grains include the endosperm, germ, and bran. Whole Grains Council

Refined grains, like white bread, are those that are stripped of their fiber and nutrient rich bran and germ parts, leaving only the starchy endosperm. While tasty, these loaves offer little nutritional value. Real Simple

Whole grains are a source of carbohydrates, multiple nutrients and dietary fiber. Wikipedia

Research shows that whole grain products are associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease, and infections. Real Simple

Whole grains can include: amaranth, barley, brown, wild and colored rice, buckwheat, bulgur, cornmeal, farro, millet, oats and oatmeal, popcorn, quinoa, sorghum, spelt, teff, triticale, rye, and wheat. Whole Grains Council

*Note: Make sure to look at the whole grain label closely! In addition to the 100% Whole Grain label there are also the 50% Whole Grain and Basic Whole Grain labels (see photo below). 

The 100% Stamp means that all of the grain in a product is whole grain, while the 50%+ Stamp shows that at least 50% of the grain in a product is whole grain. If a product contains whole grain but less than 50% of the grain is whole, it can qualify for the Basic Stamp. Whole Grain Stamp

These two labels are also healthy but make sure you know what you are buying!

      

By inspecting the labels on your food packaging you will be informed about what you are buying and in control what you are eating. 

Given below are four tips on how to use healthy labels to your advantage.

1. Evaluate Price - Look at labels and purchase foods that are within your budget. For example, USDA Organic oatmeal is almost double the cost of NonGMO Project Verified Oatmeal. 

2. Investigate Menu Favorites - Research foods that you eat frequently.  For example strawberries are known to contain a lot of pesticides so if you eat them everyday you could purchase USDA Organic strawberries. CNBC  However, if you eat a lot of bananas it isn't really worth the extra cost to purchase USDA Organic bananas because they are considered to have low to moderate levels of pesticide residue. WebMD

3. Evaluate Ingredients as well as Labels - In addition to looking at the labels also look at the ingredients. For example Organic Bread Of Heaven Rustic Sourdough has only 5 ingredients as compared to 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Sandwich Sourdough Bread which has 16 ingredients including soy lecithin and sugar.

4. Avoid Processed Foods - Processed foods almost always include GMO's because they are often made with GMO corn, soy, canola and/or sugar beets.

This Food Label Summary is a one page document to have on hand next time you go shopping!