Beyond Quality
Gluten-free
Gluten-free is the latest trend in the food market and health industry. Some surveys estimate that almost a third of Americans are actively trying to either reduce gluten from their diet or eliminate it altogether. But gluten-free is definitely more than just the latest food craze.
Gluten can possibly cause many harmful effects. For any of the millions of Americans with celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, Crohn’s disease, or gluten sensitivity, this protein is a very real threat to their health and happiness.
Again, our consulting firm can easily assist you in certifying your food as gluten-free so that your products can also thrive in today’s marketplace.
Kosher
Kosher foods have restrictions to what they contain and how they are prepared. The word kosher derives from the Hebrew root word for “fit,” “proper,” or “correct.”
Besides fulfilling religious beliefs and centuries-old traditions, kosher food regulations have some beneficial health effects as well. For example, the sanitary method in which kosher meat must be slaughtered minimizes the possibility of food safety hazards associated with the meat processing.
The foods that are permitted to be eaten under Jewish dietary law have strict guidelines and can sometimes be a bit confusing. For instance, food that is kosher for most of the year might not be kosher during the Jewish Passover.
Our personal food consultants can assist you in everything you need to make your food labeled kosher.
Natural
There is some misunderstanding over what the term Natural means when applying it as a food label, but this doesn’t mean that anyone can or should brand their food as being so. The FDA has not created a concrete definition for the use of the term. However, the FDA has not objected to natural foods being defined as products that do not contain added colors, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances. This means that natural foods can be minimally processed. They do not have to be a product of the earth or a “whole” food.
This is probably one of the most confusing food labels out there which may require further evaluation when audited by accredited food quality certification bodies or your customer.
Our consulting experts can help you determine whether or not this label will be beneficial for your business, and whether or not your product meets the minimum requirements.
Non-GMO
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are foods created through genetic engineering. This method of manufacturing crops in a laboratory has come under fire after a few controversial documentaries called attention to possible side effects of GMOs that could be detrimental to the environment and our health. Many scientists are concerned that genetically altered foods could possibly pass their mutant genes to bacteria in the human digestive system, which would then cause a host of problems.
Genetically modified foods also reduce genetic diversity. It is this diversity that has helped life thrive into what it is today. Without it, life is less robust. That means GMO foods could possibly not tolerate fungi, droughts, insects, or other dangers, which would lead to major food shortages.
So why should we label non-GMO foods as being non-GMO? As of right now, foods that contain GMOs are unlabeled in America, even though the European Union, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Japan have banned GMOs altogether. This has made many consumers wary of how genetically altered foods will affect our bodies and the world.
By labeling a product as being non-GMO, you are giving the customer assurance and confidence in the health of their food and environment. It must be a great feeling to choose a food because of its certified label and know that you are doing something great for your health and the health of the planet. To explore more about Non-GMO products and process, we can provide you with all the support.
Organic
Organic foods are now a standard feature at most supermarkets, finally reaching beyond health food stores. They have been touted as healthier, safer, and more nutritious.
But that’s not where the benefits of organic farming end. This natural method of producing crops and meat encourages soil and water conservation while reducing pollution. That means eating organic foods is as eco-friendly as it comes.
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 GMOs all along the food supply chain. Also, organic food producers must prove that the crops or animals were not raised with the use of chemical fertilizers, synthetic insecticides, synthetic herbicides, antibiotics and growth hormones.
If you want to increase your customer base while showing that you care about your customers’ health and the environment, make sure to label your food with certified organic ingredients. We can walk you through the process of organic certification.
Halal
Halal foods are foods that Muslims are permitted to eat or drink. The word means “lawful” in Arabic; that is how serious Islam is about following these dietary restrictions. The most common foods that are not allowed are pork and alcohol, though many more foods and methods of food preparation are on this list. Approximately 1.5 billion people take this food label extremely seriously, so the global food industry must take it seriously as well.
Since attaining the Halal label doesn’t just mean excluding a certain list of foods (it also means knowing how those foods were prepared), it is an intricate process getting the Halal certification. Rest easy; let our firm deal with the pressure of getting your product to a billion more consumers.
Vegan
Being vegan – eating a plant-based diet that does not include meat, dairy, or any other animal byproducts – is another trend gaining popularity. It seems like each year new celebrities come out to say that they have gone vegan.
There are so many benefits to this lifestyle. If done correctly, being vegan is a healthy way to lose weight and feel more energized. It’s also the best way to save farm animals from a painful existence. It has even been reported that eating a vegan diet is more “green” than buying an electric car. So this certified food label can assure customers they are making the right choices for themselves and the environment.
Our consulting firm wants to assist your company in sending its positive message to the consumers so that you can open up a new niche market.
Ethical Sourcing / Social Responsibility
Foods that are ethically purchased and responsibly produced are becoming more and more common as well. These products have high social and safety standards, and the businesses that make them are transparent in how workers, animals, crops, soil, and water are treated all along the food supply chain. The employees work in a comfortable setting. Safe environmental practices are put into place. Even products are ethically purchased. This is a great way for your business to show the consumers that you do not take advantage of any resources. Marketing your business as such can assure your customers that they are not supporting the degradation, exploitation, and harsh treatment of individuals, entire cultures, animals, plants, or the environment. Give our personal consultants a chance to show you how you can brand your business as being ethically and socially responsible.