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Antibiotic
A substance or drug used to treat infections, originally derived from fungi, bacteria and other organisms. Today, synthetic antibiotics have been produced to accomplish comparable tasks.
Antioxidants
Substances, such as beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, which block or inhibit oxidation within cells. Antioxidants may reduce the risks of cancer and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Carbohydrate
An organic substance, usually of plant origin with a carbon, hydrogen and oxygen composition, which serves as a major energy source in the diet.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
Unsaturated fatty acids that are essential for health, but not produced by the body: EFAs are commonly found in cold-pressed oils, particularly in oils extracted from cold-water fish and certain seeds.
Fiber
The indigestible portion of plant matter and an important component of a healthy diet. It is capable of binding to toxins and escorting them out of the body.
Functional Foods
Foods that have been enriched or fortified with vitamins, herbs, or minerals to provide a health benefit beyond the product's traditional nutrients. For example: orange juice with calcium.
Kosher
It is estimated that over 50,000 packaged kosher foods are now available for observant Jews in America, more than twice the number that was available a few short years ago. Processors of foods that adhere to the kosher laws must acquire certification from a recognized Rabbinic group. Ingredients in the foods themselves, as well as all the equipment used to produce them, must not contain foodstuffs or materials that are restricted by Jewish Law. Once a packaged food has been certified as kosher, it is marked with a Rabbinic seal, such as that of the COR or Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (O-U).

The Jewish community uses a system of product markings to indicate whether a food is kosher, or in accordance with Jewish dietary rules.

There are two Kosher symbols that can be of help for those with a milk allergy: a "D," or the word dairy, on a label next to "K" or "U" (usually found near the product name) indicates presence of milk protein, and a "DE" on a label indicates produced on equipment shared with dairy.

If the product contains neither meat nor dairy products it is Pareve (Parev, Parve). Pareve-labeled products indicate that the products are considered milk-free according to religious specifications. Be aware that under Jewish law, a food product may be considered Pareve even if it contains a very small amount of milk. Therefore, a product labeled as Pareve could potentially have enough milk protein in it to cause a reaction in a milk-allergic individual.
Glatt Kosher
A standard of kashrut that requires an additional degree of stringency in the inspection of the lungs of cattle, to determine whether the lungs are free from adhesions.
Humane
The compassionate care and treatment of animals being raised for livestock.
For more information visit the following labeling agencies for humane:
Animal Compassion
Certified Humane
Free Farmed
Animal Welfare Institute
Natural Foods
All fresh meat qualifies as "natural." Products labeled "natural" cannot contain any artificial flavor or flavoring, coloring ingredient, chemical preservative, or any other artificial or synthetic ingredient; and the product and its ingredients are not more than minimally processed (ground, for example). All products claiming to be natural should be accompanied by a brief statement which explains what is meant by the term "natural." Claims that must have documentation and FSIS approval include:
  • "No Hormone Implants Used in Raising"
  • "Raised Without Added Hormones"
  • "No Antibiotics Used in Raising"
  • "Corn Fed"
  • "Fed An All Vegetable Diet"
  • "Raised In An Open Pasture"
  • "Free Range
Organic Foods
Products that only contain ingredients grown with "earth friendly" methods. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) strictly enforces proper production of these foods is by using the following categories:
100% Organic
Foods that contain all organically produced ingredients. Labeling may include the "100% Organic" label, along with the USDA organic seal.
USDA Certified Organic
Products with 95% or more organic ingredients. These foods may be labeled as "Organic" and carry the USDA organic seal.
Made with Organic Ingredients
These products are composed of 70-95% organic ingredients. Up to three organic ingredients may be listed on the front of the package along with being labeled as "Made with Organic Ingredients."
Organic
Foods that include less than 70% organic content can be labeled "Organic." This term can be found on the information panel on applicable products.
Remember, a small family farmer might be using natural, sustainable practices but not be certified through the USDA to use the term "organic". In fact they might be producing some of the highest quality, healthiest meat and produce and providing the best care possible for the land and animals yet consider themselves too small or too independent to sign up for a paperwork heavy and expensive government program. The best way to be sure what your getting is to know your supplier and the farmer!

Sustainable Agriculture
"The term sustainable agriculture means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will over the long term:
  • satisfy human food and fibre needs;
  • enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends;
  • make the most efficient use of non-renewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls;
  • sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and
  • enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole."
Public Law 101-624, Title XVI, Subtitle A, Section 1683, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., NAL KF 1692.831 1990.
Vegan
These products are derived solely from plant origin, excluding animal protein (such as meat, eggs, dairy products or honey).
Vegetarian
Foods derived from plant sources, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes and nuts. May contain some animal protein, usually using egg or dairy products as ingredients.
Vitamin
One of a group of organic substances essential in small quantities for life. For the most part, they must be supplied through the diet, since the body does not manufacture them.
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For a quick and convienient reference to the many fine products offered by Dole and Bailey