The Future of Food Labeling

Food labels let consumers know what they are buying; they transmit key information, reporting things such as composition and ingredients. In other words, labels help consumers choose consciously.

Over the last few years, legislators have implemented policies to improve food labeling. But is this measure intended to protect consumers, or is it a merely desperate effort to get votes?

Despite politics and corporations telling us they care about our health by giving us food labels, the awkward truth hides other intentions.

So, how can I be so confident that something that sounds so good could actually be a potentially harmful measure? Let’s dive deep!

What lies beyond the veil

At first, if politicians and corporations cared about our needs and health, they would be transparent about the ingredients and chemicals that go into our foods.

Labels should not only disclose the ingredients and nutrition choices but also what other substances are hidden from the public eye.

Food is becoming more and more deficient in vitamins. Over the years, soils have been losing nutrients because of long-term fertilization.

So, do you think current food labels take this into consideration? Guess what? Not at all!

The real concern: nutrient deficiency and soil degradation 

Since humans have been running through the wheels of consumerism, understanding that we need further information about our foods has become almost an urgent matter.

For this reason, harmful substances are sneaking into our soils and getting into our food, especially fruits and vegetables. 

Our lack of knowledge and understanding is to blame for the growing number of people who are deficient in certain vitamins. So, are we taking it too seriously? Not at all!

We think we are eating healthier but aren’t getting the minerals and vitamins we need. Now, is this really so bad? No doubt about it, allow me to explain…

Consequences: chronic diseases are right around the corner

For decades, scientists have suspected that nutrition influences the development of cancer. Nowadays, we know our diet has a significant impact on our health and can cause a myriad of illnesses.

Chronic conditions, like autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal issues, ADHD, cancer, and more, are affected by the foods we eat.

The big deal is that, even when we think that we are taking care of our health, maybe we aren't eating the necessary nutrients.

But are people really concerned about their health? Well, if they don't care about themselves, what about their kids or their beloved ones?

It’s time to take action

If you are still here, you are probably thinking: How can we improve food labeling?

First, food labeling should include all the information consumers must know about the product/ produce. That includes how the produce was grown or raised. 

What type of soil was it grown on? What chemicals were added during production? In the case of meat and dairy products, how were these animals raised?

And then, as consumers, we should demand better policies to stop soil contamination and improve food quality. That means having more information about the risk of the foods we eat.

Don’t forget, knowledge is power; it would be helpful to know more about the food's cultivation and harvesting processes and the source of any seeds used.

Conclusion

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” they said… But today, an apple a day is not as healthy as it was when Grandma told you this.

We closed our eyes for many years, and now we see its consequences. Regardless of age, people are getting ill, and the food they are eating is now poison. The worst part is that they are unaware of how bad it is.

Food labeling is giving us the wrong answers. It's easier to see the dangers of a can of soda filled with sugar, but if we don't see the chemicals and the nutrient deficiency that “so-called ‘healthy foods’” have nowadays, we are not seeing the big picture.

Is there anything we can do? Yes, it’s never too late to take action. Governments and corporations need us, and we have a voice, so we should make ourselves be heard.

We should ask for more transparency in labels, and that includes produce, too. Moreover, we should speak about this with everyone we know. You have the power to speak up and take care of your health and your life.

If you are like me, I encourage you to share this information with others, and who knows, maybe you will help them to open their eyes.