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'Natural' and other food labels that sound legitimate but may not be

By Carina Storrs, Special to CNN

Updated 1816 GMT (0216 HKT) May 18, 2015

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Chipotle, the popular burrito chain, announced on April 27 that it will only use ingredients free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), although studies suggest that GMOs do not present a risk to human health.
Photos: Food labels that sound legitimate but aren't
Chipotle, the popular burrito chain, announced on April 27 that it will only use ingredients free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), although studies suggest that GMOs do not present a risk to human health.
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The FDA does not define what terms such as "natural" mean, despite urges from policy groups.
Photos: Food labels that sound legitimate but aren't
'All Natural' – The FDA does not define what terms such as "natural" mean, despite urges from policy groups.
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Cartons of Horizon Organic milk carry the USDA Organic seal which requires that at least 95% of its ingredients are organic.
Photos: Food labels that sound legitimate but aren't
'Organic' – Cartons of Horizon Organic milk carry the USDA Organic seal which requires that at least 95% of its ingredients are organic.
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Although the gluten-free label on food packages is voluntarily, the FDA holds manufacturers accountable for the claims being accurate and not misleading.
Photos: Food labels that sound legitimate but aren't
'Gluten-free' – Although the gluten-free label on food packages is voluntarily, the FDA holds manufacturers accountable for the claims being accurate and not misleading.
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Some producers claim their eggs have high levels of good-for-you omega-3, although the version of these fatty acids in eggs may not be as healthy as the ones found in salmon.
Photos: Food labels that sound legitimate but aren't
'Omega-3' – Some producers claim their eggs have high levels of good-for-you omega-3, although the version of these fatty acids in eggs may not be as healthy as the ones found in salmon.
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Products that contain half than a gram or less of trans fats have to state on nutrition labels that they have zero grams and can boast this fact on the packaging.
Photos: Food labels that sound legitimate but aren't
'Trans fats' – Products that contain half than a gram or less of trans fats have to state on nutrition labels that they have zero grams and can boast this fact on the packaging.
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Although the FDA does not consider the level of BPA in the linings of some metal cans to be a problem, several companies, such as Eden Foods, have voluntarily removed the chemical from its canned goods.
Photos: Food labels that sound legitimate but aren't
BPA in cans – Although the FDA does not consider the level of BPA in the linings of some metal cans to be a problem, several companies, such as Eden Foods, have voluntarily removed the chemical from its canned goods.
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Air chilled is a method that food manufacturers such as Bell & Evans use to sterilize chickens after slaughter, although it is not clear if it lowers the levels of bacteria associated with the bird.
Photos: Food labels that sound legitimate but aren't
'Air chilled' – Air chilled is a method that food manufacturers such as Bell & Evans use to sterilize chickens after slaughter, although it is not clear if it lowers the levels of bacteria associated with the bird.
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