Educational benefits outweigh confusion

In the article “Food labels multiply, some confuse consumers” Gosia Wozniacka argues there are positive and negative effects concerning the labeling of food [News, Nov. 11]. However, without the use of labels in grocery stores people would have no idea what they are buying.

In my opinion, labels are useful and mandatory in selling large amounts of food to consumers, but they bring about issues that have not been settled. The lack of oversight and unclear standards of labels have many people confused about its purpose.

While the USDA organic certification has high standards set by the federal government, other labels have no standards; they are run by unknown organizations or private industry groups. Some local farmers may not be able to afford a label even though their products are healthy and sustainable.

Eco-labels promote information on various products, bring increased attention to animal and farmer welfare, assist personal health and release the effects of conventional farming on the environment. Consumers are paying more for these labels because they care about the issue. Labels need to stay in existence; with a fine line between lies on labeling products consumers will feel confident in what they are buying at any store.

— Rachel DeMers, Seattle