Continuing with the decoding green labels theme, here is a quick review of a few more labels I was surprised to discover are misleading, and a few that actually mean something. Let’s get the disappointing stuff out of the way first…
Hypoallergenic: We see this word so often…and dermatologists say it has little meaning. According to the FDA “There are no Federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term “hypoallergenic.” The term means whatever a particular company wants it to mean. Manufacturers of cosmetics labeled as hypoallergenic are not required to submit substantiation of their hypoallergenicity claims to FDA.”
Non-toxic: This is an industry devised-marketing word. Yup. No one is supervising this term in Canada or anywhere else.
CFC-Free: Sounds great – except that since the 90’s in North America, everything has been free of chlorofluorocarbons. For a more relevant label, look for HCFC-Free.
Antibiotic or hormone-free chicken: The hormone-free is misleading since the CFIA has not allowed poultry to be injected with hormones since the 1960’s. (Beef cattle are the only animals allowed to be treated with growth hormones in Canada).
On a more positive note…
EcoLogo: This respected Canadian label is highly regarded worldwide. It is a third party independent certifier established by the Canadian government. This is one case where the products require independent verification of product claims. You can find this logo on cleaning products, office supplies, building materials, personal care products and much more.
Green Seal: This is a non-profit organization with an impressive certification process. This group actually insists on independent verification of product claims and visit factory floors. Make sure this is the label you find…there are some copycat fakes out there.
Sometimes companies slap official looking logos when they cannot meet third party standards like Certified Organic, EcoLogo or Green Seal. If you are unsure or suspicious, you can check with Consumer Reports Eco-labels to spot the fakers.
Better yet, you can question dodgy companies by calling The Competition Bureau an independant law-enforcement agency designed to combat and enhance consumer information and prevent health fraud. This is a complaint driven process and requires a simple phone call 1-800-348-5358 so they can crackdown on the Slim Shady’s out there.
Don’t be fooled by pretty green packages. Look for ingredient lists…it is hard to trust a company when they will not divulge the ingredients, even when you call the help desk.
This information is not meant to discourage any attempts to make healthier, earth friendly choices. I hope, just the opposite – that it will make shopping for your home and family easier.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
The first two are particularly scary — expecially the non-toxic one. I wonder if anything bad has ever happened as a result of these meaningless labels?
Very useful post – Thanks!
I have never put much faith in those eco labels so it’s good to know that there are a few that are in fact meaningful.
Also, I haven’t been able to wear earrings since high school, so I was well aware that the “hypoallergenic” didn’t apply to me!
As someone who has a few allergies, I find the “hypoallergenic” label VERY misleading! For example, there was a goose down pillow that said “hypoallergenic” in the store I visited recently. If its made with goose feathers, how can it be hypoallergenic?
XUP – I agree it’s scary…and it makes me mad too.
Finola – Good you never put much faith in the labels. I’ve been duped many times.
Pauline – Hypoallergenic goose down?! Gah. It’s maddening.