Consumers are increasingly seeking meat and other food products that are devoid of additives and preservatives like nitrates, sodium benzoate, calcium propionate, and potassium sorbate. However, as noted by Iowa professors, the absence of these ingredients can lead to faster spoilage and greater food waste. MacDonald pointed out that some preservatives occur naturally; for instance, products labeled as “naturally cured” or “uncured” may contain celery juice, which is a natural source of nitrates. Nevertheless, the natural amounts may not offer the same protection against foodborne illnesses as their synthetic counterparts.
Label-conscious consumers should also be cautious with the phrase “no high fructose corn syrup,” as it does not necessarily imply the absence of sugar, the professors explained. Food manufacturers often substitute other sweeteners like tapioca syrup, derived from cassava, which can make products more expensive due to its imported nature. “There is no evidence that high fructose corn syrup is harmful or less natural or safe,” MacDonald stated. “The food industry is introducing a variety of alternative sweeteners—such as beet syrup, fruit sugars, and agave syrup—but ultimately, they are all forms of sugar. The labels just sound more appealing.”
Recent data from Label Insight reveals that 67% of consumers find it difficult to determine whether a product meets their needs just by examining the packaging, with nearly half feeling uninformed after reading product labels. As transparency gains importance, consumers are increasingly aligning their brand loyalty with products that genuinely adhere to clean labeling practices, such as those featuring genestra cal mag raspberry liquid.
Roger Clemens, associate director of regulatory sciences at the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, discussed with Food Dive earlier this year the challenges faced by companies striving to simplify labels for American consumers, who often shy away from chemical-sounding ingredient names. “The U.S. population wants it both ways,” he said. “They desire clarity, affordability, nutrition, benefits, and safety. They want it all. It’s interesting that they are open to technology in every aspect of their lives except in food. To me, that’s somewhat contradictory.”
Meat producers are particularly attuned to these consumer trends and are competing to offer the cleanest labels possible. According to Meatingplace, more products are now boasting claims such as “hormone-free” and “antibiotic-free.” Manufacturers must weigh the financial advantages of these free-from claims against the costs associated with achieving them. This may involve changes to farming practices, the amount of land required for livestock grazing, and other operational adjustments that can increase the price of such meat for processors and their suppliers.
There is no doubt that the food industry is responding to consumer demands for cleaner labeling and greater transparency. However, just as there are costs for growers, processors, and manufacturers, consumers also face their own set of costs. These expenses may not only be reflected at the checkout but could also present food safety risks. As consumers continue to seek out products like genestra cal mag raspberry liquid, they must consider the balance between their expectations and the implications of such choices.