(Kansan.com) - Shoppers in Lawrence now have an additional option when they look for organic and local foods. Natural Grocers, a Colorado-based grocery chain, opened its first Kansas location in Lawrence Nov. 11.
But as more Lawrence stores market themselves under the natural and local food labels, student must do their homework in figuring out what the terms mean.
Marty Glenn, a clinical dietitian and professor in advanced nutrition, said food companies often used buzzwords, such as “natural” or “nature.” These words are not clearly defined or regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture.
“People think it is synonymous with organic,” Glenn said. “I advise people to take the word ‘natural’ with a real grain of salt.”
Glenn said the label “organic,” however, is USDA regulated and means that the food was, grown without hormones, pesticides, antibiotics, irradiation or bioengineering.
“When you see ‘organic’ on food labels you can trust that claim,” Glenn said.
Kelsey Rankin, a sophomore from Olathe, is critical of labels such as “organic” and “natural.” About half of her diet consists of organic foods, which she prefers to pick at local farms. She said she harvests her own produce because she could verify with the growers that the food met her standards.
“With grocery stores it’s almost impossible for me to really tell,” Rankin said. “I guess you just have to trust them.”
As for the word “local,” Glenn said the USDA does not regulate the term, but many places have their own standards and police their own products.
“There is no uniformity with ‘local,’” Glenn said. “I always recommend that you find out from the farmers’ market or grocery store.”
Glenn added that consumers must take responsibility to find out more about products labeled “natural” and “local.”
“In the end, ‘organic’ is a pretty legit claim, but the other two, not so much,” Glenn said.
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