Got Milk Labeling Confusion? "Natural" or "Organic"

Organic dairy farmers challenge other "value added" labels

The real deal - certified organic milk is the Gold Standard in the Dairy Case

A recent marketing study published in the Journal of Applied Economics and Policy, found that consumers really don’t know the difference between natural and organic, even though they have very different production requirements. Jeffery Anstein, author of the study, suggests that companies have been taking advantage of the confusion over the terms “natural” and “organic”.

Today, more than ever, shoppers can visit the retail dairy case and find dairy products labeled with a variety of claims including: “certified organic”, “all natural”, “rBST-free”, “grass fed”, “naturally raised”, and “animal welfare friendly.” Consumers are inundated with labeling messages that are not backed by rigorous state and/or federal regulations.

Of all these labels in the dairy case, “Certified Organic” is the only label with 3^rd party verification and federal enforcement.

“If a family wants to wisely spend their dollars on meaningful labels, they should buy certified organic,” says Urvashi Rangan, Senior Scientist & Policy Analyst at Consumers Union. Consumers who buy organic are assured that their dairy products are humanely produced without the use of hormones, pesticides, cloning or genetic manipulation. In addition, organic regulations require cattle to be grazed on organic pastures, and for farms to use environmentally friendly practices.

Consumers who choose not to purchase certified organic products could be buying products produced with the use of reproductive hormones, rBST, antibiotics, pesticides, cloning, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Organic dairy farmers want all consumers to understand the meaning behind the labels. Look for the USDA organic seal and enjoy the real deal - certified organic milk.

Source:
RODALE INSTITUTE. Leader in Organic Solutions Since 1947. Mission: We improve the health and well-being of people and the planet.