Whether genetically modified organisms (GMOs) should be used in the growing of certain crops is still a source of much contention, and will most likely continue to be now that a proposed amendment   to make specific food labels for these types of products has been struck down.

Though people like Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont have pushed for the ability to identify these modified products with proper food labels, both government agencies like the FDA and the companies that create chemically engineered foods, specifically the controversial Monsanto, claim that they are safe for consumption.

On his official website, Senator Sanders posted a release describing the situation. Though his measure was voted down by a count of 71 to 27, he is reportedly determined to pursue this further.

"An overwhelming majority of Americans favor GMO labeling but virtually all of the major biotech and food corporations in the country oppose it," the senator said. "Today's vote is a step forward on an important issue that we are going to continue to work on." Sander's release also points out that other countries do currently require such labeling, particularly in Europe.

No matter what the outcome of this push for disclosure, food distributors can attempt to avoid controversy by making sure labels for natural foods are cleanly presented and keep consumers informed. If it's a description of low sodium levels or a declaration of where the product was grown, the use of a Primera LX900 color label printer can help manufacturers avoid vague descriptors and give their customers the concrete facts they need.

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As this blog has mentioned before, the U.S. has previously drawn much ire for its decision to implement so called "country of origin" food labels for meat shipments from Canada and Mexico. Now, as more regulations are set to go into effect to see labels give more disclosure, these neighboring countries are decrying the practice even more vocally. 

Reuters reports that the dispute comes from these labeling habits, which ranchers and other meat providers claim are unfair, and in violation of World Trade Organization rules. The U.S. Department of Agriculture denies this, saying that their labels comply with an order to change the previous standards to be less discriminating.

Regardless, Canada is reportedly considering lowering American meat imports in response to the perceived stubbornness of the U.S., a move that could have repercussions for all countries involved in this conflict.  

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, claims that the changes being made are not only in compliance, but will improve the current situation.  

"I think our response is to be consistent with the WTO directive, and as well understand what the WTO said—that while every country has the right to label, the labeling that we had developed was not adequate," he said.  

Making labels that fulfill the regulation requirements of a given authorial body can be what distinguishes a certain producer, and affect the way other major industry players interact. Businesses are encouraged to scrupulously consider the possible ramifications of certain decisions when it comes to both designing and printing the right labels for their products.  

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For every well-known over the counter drug, there are generics and other companies looking to take advantage of an established brand. The labels on these items can't always be counted upon, and unless there's a guarantee somewhere on the product itself, the side effects could be risky, or even unknown, to the person taking them. A recent study in JAMA Internal Medicine makes this point in regards to a certain subgroup of medications: male virility drugs.

These kinds of supplements are common, and according to the article, have the possibility to be completely untested. In this case, the labels attached could be extremely untrustworthy. The JAMA piece notes that the ingredients in some of these drugs could interact to result in possible fatalities. If the consumer is unprepared or ill-informed, this could happen to them, along with other damaging side effects that the report calls "profound."

"Well-characterized prescription drugs may be detected by astute regulators using routine tests," the article notes. "Recently, however, manufacturers of sexual enhancement supplements have increasingly turned to entirely novel pharmaceutical products that are not easily identifiable and have no regulatory status."

This increases the importance for these drugs to come with accurate warnings and descriptions – as well as the likelihood that they might not. The report also notes that some turn to such medicines as an alternative to medical care, which could raise the risk factor even further. 

Pill and vitamin labels that don't accurately reflect their contents are health hazards that could affect millions. Fortunately, labeling options exist for those seeking the best way to list recommended dosages and other important information for supplements.

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Changing regulations can be one influence on the type of labels a product needs, but some companies may pursue changes in anticipation of legislation before it's officially enacted. Though such an action may not be required by law, it can still be a habit with some positive side effects, as long as one is well-informed and knows how to make labels effectively in response. Providing information can be a sign of trust that encourages customers to give the company in question their business.

As an example, one can look at a recent Washington Post story that addresses the use of calorie labels on menus. According to the article, this is not specifically mandatory by law, and yet it is something you can find in certain establishments. Though those that object to presenting additional calorie information express their reasons, mainly due to the high cost of determining content, at a glance the difference to the customer may read differently: one business discloses, and one does not.

If cost is the main obstacle to ensuring healthier practices, one can at least ease the pressure of such a demand by keeping a label printer on hand that is best suited to their product's needs. An LX900 Primera color label printer, for instance, can provide a quicker and more cost-effective means of solving labeling issues that seem overwhelming. And if a company is looking to apply labels to irregular shaped packages or bottles, they can use their own printer to help them accomplish this. 

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A cosmetic label or other type of warning for a skin product can carry all sorts of important information that goes unnoticed by the consumer, and this is especially risky when some major rule or set of rules is changed by a governmental body. The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recent alterations to the guidelines surrounding sun protection have necessitated different language that puts an increased focus on the limitations of such products. It can be difficult for a company to signal these in ways that are both comprehensive and readable, so businesses should be sure to design labels with this in mind.

Some of the new descriptions provide clarification to previously used buzzwords or popular product phrases. "Waterproof," for example, is no longer allowed, with manufacturers encouraged to inform users exactly how long these lotions can withstand exposure to water. Though the SPF descriptor will still be used and displayed, some will now be required to specifically describe the dermatological afflictions that may result from use. Labels will also focus on the ways that other means of protection might be used in conjunction with sunblock and other such preventative items.

With so many particularities to consider, it may seem like a daunting task to display the necessary information accurately. However, a color label printer can ensure that even the most complicated cosmetic label meets requirements while being legible and able to withstand being taken to outdoor locations. Choosing the right pieces of equipment and making sure users have easy access to them can be essential in instigating proper planning in this regard.

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Some companies take a lot of pride over transparency with the items they sell, and stand behind the notion that "what you see is what you get." When it comes to pre-packaged food, it's especially important that consumers don't feel like they're being served indeterminate "mystery meat," and that the product advertised matches what was purchased. In some cases, the very identity of a company can be called into question when labels are incorrect, as a recent Huffington Post article describes.

The specific incident mentioned involved Whole Foods, a grocery chain whose image tends to rely on qualities like consciousness and natural living. Allegedly, the store accidentally gave a chicken salad a vegan label, and vice-versa.  Though no complaints seem to have been made, this momentary lapse does suggest a certain vulnerability that could potentially damage the company's reputation, especially if someone with an allergy or dietary sensitivity accidentally consumed the wrong item. As of now, the mistake has been noticed and the salads are supposedly set to be recalled. It underscores the notion that very few major distributors can offer complete assurance of exactly what their food products contain, which is why truthful labeling is so important.

In short, bad labeling can equal a loss of customer trust. Use of a Primera LX900 color label printer can allow for a closer relation to the label making process, reducing the chance for critical errors and perhaps strengthening the bond between the company and the customer. 

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Food labels are an important part of business, both in terms of reducing a company's liability and educating consumers. However, a processed food item can have more than just one label or informative note on its packaging. What happens when these multiple pieces of information are misleading, or worse, seem to outright contradict each other? It's a question brought into focus by a recent letter to the Boston Globe Consumer Alert section, detailing a situation that many could find themselves in.

The letter, from Ben Myers, describes his confusion at a frozen turkey product that seems to have a higher fat content described in the "nutrition facts" than elsewhere displayed. The response, from contributor Mitch Lipka, explains that the nutrition facts will describe the percentage of calories that each different element of the product contains, while other noticeable labels refer to the fat content of the total unit's weight. But some packaging can make this difficult to understand, especially by invoking percentage numbers without explaining the larger context. 

Food companies can attempt to solve this problem in a number of ways. They can opt for clearer language, put the relevant nutritional information in a visible place or design the labels so as to encourage consumers to simply read the ingredients instead of just taking the product at face value. In any event, important items like calorie content can be referenced effectively through the use of good, visible labels, and producers of such items can take advantage of a color label printer that allows for equal space on the both front and back of the item.

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Some may assume that wine has few items that go into its creation, but in fact there are many ingredients and chemicals that can be put in wine to achieve some sort of desired effect. But a California wine company called Ridge Vineyards is attempting to establish more trust with its consumers, and perhaps also educate buyers, by adding an ingredient label to its bottles.

According to Ridge's official site, the government already allows for different techniques that the winery calls "invasive" and claims that chemicals and an increased focus on industrial means is hampering wine quality. In contrast, Ridge calls itself "pre-industrial." It is a unique instance in which the creation of a label itself works as kind of a political and mission statement.

A letter from Ridge's CEO Paul Draper denounces additives that he says add color or texture at the cost of the wine itself and explains what the Ridge labels detail.

"Besides the sustainably-grown grapes and their natural yeasts and malolactic bacteria, we note everything added, even when (as in the case of fresh egg whites used to moderate tannins) no trace remains in the finished wine," Draper says. He adds that he is against mandatory wine labeling and believes growers should choose to disclose this information themselves. 

If the act of making a product label alone can speak volumes, then what goes into that label and the way it is represented is even more important. Designing a label that effectively communicates both contents and processes can seem like a pain, but it can be made easier with a Primera LX900 color label printer.

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While FDA regulations sometimes mandate the use of special food labels in response to potentially harmful ingredients, a company can comply before an official order is made. Well-known gum producer Wrigley has become another company targeted by the agency for the use of caffeine in its products, but rather than prolong an investigation or go to court over the issue, the company has announced that it will be putting an end to its "Alert Energy" brand of caffeine-infused gum products.

Even though the labels for the Alert gum visually display the relationship between serving sizes and a cup of coffee, the company has decided to cease making it, a move that comes in the wake of similar concerns over the health risks of other caffeinated items, such as energy drinks, especially among children.

CNN quoted Casey Keller, Wrigley's president, as being in agreement with the government on this issue, despite Alert having only been made available recently. 

"After discussions with the FDA, we have a greater appreciation for its concern about the proliferation of caffeine in the nation's food supply," Keller said, originally speaking to the Associated Press. "There is a need for changes in the regulatory framework to better guide the consumers and the industry about the appropriate level and use of caffeinated products."

Gum and candy labels often have less physical space to work with when it comes to displaying important information to users. This makes it all the more essential for companies to create packaging with a clear depiction of the ingredients contained and what that might mean. It can be done with the right planning, and businesses that purchase their own color label printer for this purpose can consider designs that take this into account.  

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In recent years, increased attention on fighting obesity has made soda a chief target of health champions, from the proposed ban on soft drinks in New York City to Boston's infamous "fat smack" campaign from a few years ago. Beverage labels, like food labels, provide a means to product transparency that major brands don't always take advantage of, according to those concerned with nutrition, but one exception appears to be in the making, as Coca-Cola has announced that it will enact changes to drink labels with an eye toward increased health awareness.

Specifically, the company intends to make calorie information more visible by placing it on the front of its products' packaging, although there's no set date given for when this will happen, and opponents (as described in Bloomberg) seem to be seeing this primarily as a stunt.

This comes with other promises from the company along the same lines, including pledges to stop targeting children in marketing and even sponsor programs that promote exercise. Although the company's CEO, Muhtar Kent, alleges that many of their beverages available in the United States already contain negligible amounts of calories, Coke will also be promoting these kinds of  reduced-calorie drinks in other countries.

Regardless of the motives behind it or what the ultimate response will be, this is a sure indication of the power in labels and their placement. Companies researching how to make a label more effective can think about the advantages to putting information in the most visible space on the product, and the sort of transparency this kind of move represents.  

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