Facing the challenge of clean label demands

23-Mar-2010 - Last updated on 24-Mar-2010 at 16:00 GMT

There has been increasing interest from food manufacturers in 'clean label' ingredients, but what does clean label actually mean?

Speaking at the Research Chefs Association conference and expo in Phoenix, Advanced Food Systems' director of technical service Chris Kelly told FoodNavigator-USA.com that the lack of a clear definition for 'clean label' poses challenges for food companies.

He said that government agencies should either come up with a clear definition of leave it up to consumers - but taking the middle ground just causes confusion.

1 comment

Clean labels

Posted by Jack Samuels, 27 March 2010 - 17:51 GMT

The word "natural," as used on processed food labels, is a joke. Based on the current use of the word "natural" on food labels, the food ingredient "monosodium glutamate is "natural, as is arsenic.

The fact is that the food industry is primarily using "clean labels" to hide the use of "hidden" forms of MSG, with no regard for the health of over 25% of the population that experience adverse reactions from MSG, reactions that range from mild and transitory to debilitating and life threatening. (The 25% figure is based on peer reviewed, published studies.)

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