The Meaning of Labels
The Meaning of Labels
The Terra Sage Team has put together a list of labels that you may see on products or hear in conversation these days but not quite know what they mean. Take a look and see what you know and what you don't.
Biocompatible—This is an ambiguous term that generally means that a material is biologically compatible with living tissue and does not produce toxic or harmful effects. The term is most often used in the medical community for medical implants, dental restoration materials, or other foreign materials placed in contact with tissues of the body; in that context, the term has some meaning. However, when the term is applied to cleaning products and personal hygiene products, it has little, if any, meaning. There is no definition, standard, or verification process for this label.
Biodegradable—This means that a product will break down into byproducts by the action of living organisms (e.g., bacteria) when exposed to elements like soil, air, water and sunlight. However, if they get dumped in a landfill they will degrade very slowly if at all, since landfills limit the exposure to air, light, and moisture. In addition, just because a product is biodegradable does not necessarily mean it is healthy or safe for humans or the environment. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has guidelines (though no standard or verification process) stating that “biodegradable should mean that a product is degradable when exposed to air, moisture, bacteria or other organisms and that the materials will break down and return to nature within a reasonably short time after customary disposal.”
Botanical—This means of or relating to plants. If a product or ingredient is labeled as botanically derived, it simply means that it comes from plants or contains plant-based ingredients.
BPA-free—Bisphenol A (BPA) is a hormone-disrupting chemical suspected of being harmful to human health and the environment. In use for over 50 years, BPA is used to make certain plastics. Of the seven types of plastics manufactured (as denoted on the recycling symbol found on the product), BPA is used in some products made from plastic types 3 and 7. If type 3 or 7 plastic products are used, be sure to find ones that are labeled BPA-free.
Compostable—Items labeled as compostable are similar to biodegradable in that they break down through the action of naturally occurring microorganisms over a period of time. To be considered compostable, the product must break down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass at the same rate as paper; be able to be used as compost and support plant life; and not produce any toxic material. Compostable items are made of plant materials such as soy, potato, corn, sugar, or cellulose.
Cruelty-free—Cruelty-free is a claim that implies that no animal testing was done on the product and its ingredients. However, some companies use this term though it only applies to the finished product and not the raw materials or contract laboratories. In addition, animal testing may have been performed in the past but the company currently does not test on animals. There is no government or official definition of this claim and there is no independent organization to verify the claim.
DEA-free—Diethanolamine (DEA) is a chemical compound used in many household products such as shampoos, hair conditioners, cosmetics, liquid laundry and dishwashing detergents, liquid hand soap, polishes, and other cleaners. It can irritate the skin as well as the nose and throat if inhaled. Laboratory tests suggest that long-term exposure may have adverse effects on organ systems, and that DEA may be carcinogenic.
Demeter® Certified Biodynamic—Similar to the “organic” label, the Demeter® "Biodynamic" label indicates that the products were produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. In addition to the organic requirements, to attain the label “Biodynamic” by Demeter® USA, the use of genetic engineering is prohibited (and has been since 1992); crops may not be grown in areas subject to strong electromagnetic fields; and the farm must be treated as a unified, closed, self-nourishing system, based on Dr. Rudolf Steiner’s 1924 holistic agricultural methods.
Environmentally Friendly or Environmentally Safe—Both of these labels are too vague to be meaningful; they imply that the product has some benefit to the environment or causes no harm to the environment. However, all products have some environmental impact. A manufacturer may provide an explanation as to why its product or packaging is better for the environment, but it is ultimately up to the consumer’s judgment. The FTC requires manufacturers to substantiate and qualify such claims in order to not mislead consumers, or to avoid their use.
Fair Trade—The Fair Trade CertifiedTM label refers to trade practices that provide a more equitable share of sales to the producer of a product, and less to processors and middlemen. In addition, the standards encourage sustainable farming methods without the use of the most harmful pesticides; social responsibility including no forced child labor; and direct trade relations with buyers and access to credit. The nonprofit organization TransFair USA is the certifying agency.
Fragrance-free—This indicates that the products contain no fragrances, not even from natural ingredients. However, there is no standard or regulated definition, and the term can be used in products that use fragrances to cover up the chemical smell of the other ingredients. Even so, products that are labeled fragrance-free may be better choices for those with sensitive senses.
Free Range—Free range (or free roaming) is a claim that implies that a meat or poultry product, including eggs, comes from an animal that was raised in the open air or was free to roam. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the term ”free range” for use on poultry only; "free range" claims on beef and eggs are not regulated at all. For poultry, five minutes of open-air access each day are considered by the USDA to be adequate for the use of the “free range” claim. Often, chickens kept in factory-like conditions will not opt to go outside at all. So the term “free range” does not have much meaning. To really know what you are getting, buy your meat and eggs from a local farmer.
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)—This label refers to a plant or animal whose genes have been altered by recombinant DNA technology. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require genetically engineered food to be labeled, the safety of GMOs in the food chain has been questioned. In many countries outside the U.S., GMOs have been banned or are required to be labeled. Note that in the U.S., foods (or food-grade ingredients) cannot be labeled “organic” if they use any GMOs.
Global Organic Textile Standard—The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) was developed to unify standards within the organic textile industry. It requires producers to enact fair labor practices and follows every stage of fiber production to ensure that pesticides, heavy-metal dyes, chlorine bleach and other toxins (such as formaldehyde) are avoided. Products with the GOTS label can be further labeled as “organic” (meaning the product must contain at least 95% organic fibers) or “made with x% organic material” (meaning the product is made with 70 to 95% organic fibers).
Grass-fed—The “grass-fed” claim can be applied to meat from ruminant animals, including cows and lambs; however, USDA verification is voluntary. The claim means that the animals were raised on a lifetime diet of 100% grass and forage; they must have had access to pasture during most of the growing season; and were not fed grain or grain products. The standard does not exclude the use of antibiotics and hormones, which are covered under separate standards. Those products with the “USDA Process Verified" shield, along with the claim, “U.S. Grass-Fed,” are the only ones that have been verified by the USDA. The verification process includes physical inspection of the farms and verification of meeting the grass-fed standards. Nutrition studies suggest that meat from grass-fed animals with access to pastures may provide more health benefits to consumers than meat from grain- and corn-fed animals. In addition, grass-fed cows—raised without eating animal by-products—have less risk of exposure to the infectious mad cow disease. And though rarely verified, your local farmers almost always feed their animals on grass – just ask!
Green Seal—Green Seal is an independent nonprofit organization whose purpose is to set environmental standards for a wide variety of products, including construction materials and equipment, household products, food preparation and service products, facility operations and maintenance products, and office products. Its standards are designed to address the life-cycle environmental impacts of a product starting with material extraction and continuing through the manufacturing process, to its use, and subsequent recycling and disposal. Each category of products has its own set of standards. For example, Green Seal standards for paper products evaluate four areas: performance, environmental impact (including specific recycling and bleaching standards), packaging, and labeling.
Hormone-free—The term ”hormone-free” is a misleading term with no standard definition except for meat and poultry products. The USDA allows for hormones to be used in cattle production, so the “hormone-free” label on beef means that no hormones were administered over the lifetime of the animal. However, there is no certification process for this claim and is considered “unapprovable” by the USDA. For pork and poultry products, the USDA already prohibits the use of hormones; therefore, any pork or poultry products that carry the “hormone-free” label only represent the regulations that are already in place, and not that the manufacturer has done anything different.
Hypoallergenic—Generally, this label is used to describe products that are free from ingredients that commonly cause allergic reactions (e.g., dyes and perfumes). Although used to describe a wide variety of products, there is no standard or regulation of this label, and no medical definition. As with the term “natural,” the best way to avoid allergy-inducing ingredients is to buy products that clearly disclose all of their ingredients.
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)—LEDs are energy-efficient electronic light sources that consume 80% less energy than conventional, incandescent bulbs, and have longer lifetimes. Common in digital clocks, remote controls, watches and appliances, they are now being produced in bulb form as a home lighting alternative.
Marine Stewardship Council—The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an independent nonprofit organization that sets standards for sustainable fisheries and to provide a labeling program to promote the best environmental choices in seafood. The MSC has defined sustainable marine fisheries as those that ensure that the catch of marine resources is at the level compatible with long-term sustainable yield, while maintaining the marine environment’s bio-diversity, productivity and ecological processes. They must also take into account relevant laws, ecological sustainability and ecosystem integrity, responsible and effective management systems, sustainability of the fish stock and social considerations. Accreditation focuses on sustainable fishing and seafood traceability.
Natural—This label is very ambiguous, since there are no rules governing its use (except for meat and poultry products) and consumers have grown more and more wary of it. The use of the “natural” label on meat and poultry products is defined by the USDA to mean that the products does not contain any artificial flavoring, color, chemical preservatives, or artificial ingredients, and that they are minimally processed. For all other products, the best way to avoid uncertainty is to buy products with all of their ingredients listed, rather than generic descriptions (e.g., the generic term “fragrance” can mean many things).
Non-comedogenic—Non-comedogenic is a term applied to cosmetics that do not block skin pores that could lead to acne. Because there is no definition, list of ingredients, or fully accepted testing method to determine comedogenicy, this label can be misleading. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that cosmetics used by people being treated for acne should be oil-free, and not rely on the claims of non-comedogenicy.
Organic—When used with food, this term is meant to highlight foods that are produced without chemical inputs, artificial ingredients, antibiotics, GMOs, or irradiation. The use of the “organic” label for food is strictly regulated by the USDA, and requires extensive verification. In products that aren’t edible (such as cosmetics, dietary supplements, and personal care products), the use of the label is more flexible and not backed up by rigorous standards, but the spirit is the same. Some companies opt to have their ingredients verified as “food-grade organic” in order to label their products with the USDA Organic seal.
Paraben-free—This label (which has no official definition, standard, or verification) indicates that the product does not contain chemicals called parabens, which are noted for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties. Parabens (e.g., methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, benzyl-paraben) are the most widely used preservatives in the U.S., commonly used in hair care products, skin care products, make-up, make-up remover, aftershave, and toothpaste. However, parabens can be irritating to the skin and eye and can cause allergic reactions. People who are allergic or have other sensitivity reactions to one paraben are often affected by other parabens as well. In addition, there is some evidence that parabens may disrupt the body’s hormone systems, by mimicking the effects of estrogen.
Paraffin-free—Paraffin is a derivative of petroleum or other substances such as coal tar or wood tar. Paraffin products have many names such as mineral oil, kerosene, and Vaseline or petroleum jelly. Paraffin wax is a complex mixture of chemicals that is often used in candles and wax paper; when burned, it can release carcinogenic toxins such as acetaldehyde, acrolein, benzene, and formaldehyde. Paraffin wax is also used in some personal hygiene products, including moisturizers, bath soaps, hair conditioners, and make-up. The “paraffin-free” claim is used primarily on personal hygiene products, but has no standard or verification. Better choices are other natural oils or waxes (such as beeswax) that are used in place of paraffins.
Phosphate-free—Phosphorous, in the form of phosphates, is commonly found in detergents (soaps made from synthetic materials) to help increase cleaning efficiency. However, phosphorous is also a nutrient for plants, and when a water system (such as a lake, river or stream) is overwhelmed with such nutrients it can result in too much plant growth and degraded environmental conditions. In many places phosphates have mostly been removed from laundry detergents, but may still be found in high concentrations in dishwashing detergents, so be sure to choose one of the alternative safer cleaners that are phosphate-free.
Phthalate-free—Phthalates are chemical compounds that are used in a wide variety of products, although they are primarily used as plasticizers (to make plastics softer, such as vinyl shower curtains). Because of the wide use, exposure to phthalates is pervasive, mostly through diet (e.g., from food or drink that are in plastic containers) and inhalation. Phthalates exposure has been linked to allergies, organ damage and endocrine disruption, among other health problems. Infants are believed to be at greater risk from potential adverse effects. Phthalates may be found in synthetic fragrances but won’t appear in ingredient labels, so look for products that are labeled “phthalate-free,” even though there is no standard or verification process.
Photodegradable—The general guidelines by the FTC for the use of this label state that a product may be considered photodegradable if, when it is disposed of and left exposed to sunlight, the product breaks down quickly and returns to the earth. Although this may be applicable for some products, the important consideration is whether or not it will be disposed of in this manner. Disposal in the trash or in home/municipal compost will almost certainly mean being covered up and receiving little, if any, exposure to light; therefore, it will not degrade as indicated. Instead, look for product and packaging labels that indicate that the products are biodegradable or compostable.
PLA—Polylactic acid (PLA) is a type of bioplastic made mainly from cornstarch and certified as a non-toxic substance by the FDA. No dangerous chemicals or toxins are created or emitted in its production, consumer use or disposal. Products made from PLA are compostable, yet highly durable.
PVC-free—Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a plastic used in consumer products and packaging that can leach or off-gas toxins such as mercury, dioxins, and phthalates; these can have many adverse health and environmental effects. Plastic products labeled with the number 3 in the recycling symbol are made of PVC, and are not commonly recyclable due to the toxic additives used to soften or stabilize PVC. There are many safer, readily available, cost-effective alternatives to PVC.
Recycled—Most often, recycle refers to the process of collecting material to be reused in the same or a new form, and is intended to reduce waste of useful materials and reduce consumption of raw materials. Look for products that are accepted in your municipality’s recycling program, or that you can reuse in some useful way (which is another way to recycle). Also, check for packaging and materials that contain a higher percentage of post-consumer recycled material, which is material that was kept from going to a landfill.
Recyclable—The FTC has issued guidelines for this label: "products that can be collected, separated or recovered from the solid waste stream and used again, or reused in the manufacture or assembly of another package or product through an established recycling program." Further, a substantial majority of communities where the product is sold must participate in its recycling, though local exceptions may apply. Be aware that some products and packaging are only partly recyclable, and should be labeled as such.
Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate-free—Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are chemicals used in many cleaning and personal hygiene products because of their cleaning ability and foaming capacity. However, both SLS and SLES can cause eye and skin irritation and allergic/sensitivity reactions. In addition, SLES can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, considered a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (Note that 1,4-dioxane is also used as a solvent or solvent stabilizer in many products, including personal hygiene and cleaning products.)
Sustainable—A common definition of sustainable is meeting the needs of today without compromising the needs of the future, and using the Earth’s resources in an environmentally friendly way at a rate at which they can be replenished.
Vegan—Vegan refers to the avoidance of animal products (and usually products tested on animals) in food, clothing and other goods. This label is not regulated, though there is third-party certification by a nonprofit organization called Vegan Action; look for the label “Certified Vegan.” Also, always check the ingredients label carefully, especially in categories outside of food, drugs and cosmetics, which are required to list ingredients.
Water-based—The term “water-based” is meaningful for products such as paints, sealers, adhesives, cleaners and other products that traditionally contain large amounts of solvents other than water. This label is also meaningful on personal-use lubricants that may come into contact with condoms, since petroleum-based lubricants (such as Vaseline) can weaken latex and cause the condom to tear easily. However, for products that do not typically contain significant amounts of solvents other than water (such as most personal hygiene products and cleaners) the term doesn’t have much meaning. For products in which the majority of the liquid content is normally water, the claim “water-based” may be accurate, but could be misleading by implying that the product is safer for health or the environment when this may not be the case. Note that ”water-based” does NOT mean “safe as water.” For example, although water-based paints pose less risk than traditional oil-based paints, they can still cause allergic skin reactions or headaches. In addition, some water-based products could pose environmental or health hazards if introduced directly into streams.
