An identification label is a description affixed to a product used to relay important product information. The label can show name, age (or pasteurization for cheese), contents, origin, and destination. If the merchandise is subject to any inspections, such as an FDA inspection, the shipping label must contain that inspection information as well. The identification label can include any of the following labels: USDA Organic Label, Fair Trade Show in UK, Food Alliance Certified, American Humane Certified, or Certified Humane Raised & Handled.
1) The label showing name, age (or pasteurization) and the identity of cheese.
2) An identification label affixed to a container which specifies contents of the shipping container. If the merchandise is subject to any inspections, such as an FDA inspection, the shipping label must contain that inspection information as well. A shipping label used by a mail carrier lists the originating and destination addresses.
3) USDA Organic Label
a. Organic (USA) - The USDA Organic label indicates that the product has been produced in accordance with the USDA's Federal Organic Standard. This label is applied to fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs and dairy products. Some states, such as California, have their own organic label. Organic labeling is prominent internationally as well.
4) Fair Trade Show in UK
a. Fair Trade -Indicates that the product has been grown and marketed in accordance with Fair Trade standards. This is an independent certification, awarded by FLO-CERT and overseen by FLO International. Major food items that are marketed under Fair Trade are coffee, tea and chocolate. Many items other than food are sold with a Fair Trade label.
5) Food Alliance Certified.
a. Food Alliance is a nonprofit organization that certifies farms, ranches, and food processors and distributors for safe and fair working conditions, humane treatment of animals, and good environmental stewardship. Food Alliance Certified products come from farms, ranches and food processors that have met meaningful standards for social and environmental responsibility, as determined through an independent third-party audit. Food Alliance does not certify genetically modified crops or livestock. Meat or dairy products come from animals that are not treated with antibiotics or growth hormones. Food Alliance Certified foods never contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Food Alliance Certified. http://www.foodalliance.org
6) Country of Origin –
a. This label was created by enactment of the 2002 Farm Bill. The US Department of Agriculture is responsible for its implementation, which began 30 September 2008. The bill mandates country of origin labeling for several products, including beef, lamb, pork, fish, chicken, perishable agricultural commodities and some nuts. USDA rules provide specifics as to documentation, timetables and definitions.[24] There is not one specific label to indicate the country of origin; they will vary by country.
7) American Humane Certified.
a. This certification is provided by the American Humane Association (AHA), and ensures that farm animals are raised according to welfare standards that provide for adequate housing, feed, healthcare and behavior expression. Antibiotics are not used except for therapeutic reasons; growth promoters are not used. Other issues including transport, processing and biosecurity are addressed as well. Species covered are poultry, cattle and swine.
8) Certified Humane Raised & Handled.
a. This label ensures that production meets the Humane Farm Animal Care Program standards, which addresses housing, diet (excluding routine use of hormones or antibiotics) and natural behavior. Additionally, producers must comply with food safety and environmental protection regulations. They must meet standards set by the American Meat Institute (AMI) that are more stringent than those laid out in the Federal Humane Slaughter Act. Certification has been applied to beef, poultry and eggs, pork, lamb, goat, turkey, veal, dairy products and wool.