CONSUMERS NEED TO KNOW

Transparency & Clean Label Requirements are Growing

A Century of Food Technology

A growing population moving from an agricultural-based society to an industrial-based economy

Increasing technological advances, including food additives, pesticides, herbicides, and manufacturing aids

Families whose needs included fast, convenient, and safe meals

Changing expectations and subtle changes in taste

The Move To Transparency

Consumer driven The tipping point for consumers – Trans Fat General distrust of the ability of government

organizations to assure a safe food supply Suspicions that manufacturers are cutting corners at

consumers’ expense

Highly Publicized Issues & Health Concerns

Trans Fat was the issue that changed consumers’ attitudes from passive to assertive From the “safe” fat alternative to one of the main causes of

heart disease Confusing labels and the legal use of “zero trans fat” for

product that contained less than 1 gram of trans fat per serving

Even with the proclamations from the FDA that trans fat is not suitable for human consumption, it will be allowed in food until 2018 and possibly beyond for specific exemptions

Banned Food Additives

Many additives are banned in other countries but allowed in the US

Food colors – Blue #1 and #2 (made from coal tar), Yellow #5 and #6, Red #40

Bromated Vegetable Oil (BVO) – banned in over 100 countries

Azodicarbonmide – causes foaming in flour during baking for softer “fluffier” breads/also a bleaching agent

Bromated Flour – banned in Europe, Canada, and China. If used in California, baked goods much carry a warning label.

Recent Publicized Concerns

Mercury contamination in High Fructose Corn Syrup Arsenic contamination of rice GMOs, especially Roundup Ready seeds

The Need for Transparency

Ready information and scientific studies available to all consumers at the speed of a phone call

Growth of social media for more than cute pet posts and family updates

High value consumers – those people who are educated, well traveled, buy luxuries, and value quality over price

Overblown concerns that are hyped by the media and hidden manufacturing secrets that are at risk of being exposed -- pink slime, manufacturing aids such as titanium dioxide

Consumers Desire For Clean Labels

Transparency is the driver and clean labels the tool.

A strong belief that clean labels equal better quality and better taste

A growing trend that less is more and that equals better health