This product is not certified organic [read more]
Products bearing the USDA certified organic seal must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredient, and must be produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and free of genetically engineered ingredients.
Contains food additives of higher concern
Contains 1 of EWG's top food additives of concern: Sodium Nitrite
Manufacturer likely used the toxic chemical BPA in can lining [read more]
BPA, an endocrine disrupting chemical, is used to line the inside of nearly every canned food sold in the United States. Research shows that BPA readily leaches from the cans into the food. For more information visit: https://www.ewg.org/key-issues/toxics/bpa
Antibiotics were likely used in the production of this meat [read more]
Many animals are fed low doses of antibiotics throughout their lifespan to speed growth and prevent diseases. These non-essential uses promote antibiotic resistance, posing a serious risk to human health.
Hormones and/or growth promoters were likely used in production of meat ingredients [read more]
Hormone implants and artificial growth promoters are commonly used to speed the growth of meat animals. These practices are not allowed in Europe due to health concerns.
Contains the non-specific ingredient "flavor" [read more]
Added "flavors" are secret and often complex mixtures of chemicals that modify and manipulate the taste and smell of food. The lack of disclosure is a public right to know issue and especially concerning to people with unusual food allergies or on restricted diets.
Contains 53% of the Institute of Medicine's daily sodium (salt) recommendations based on adequate intake [read more]
This product contains a high percentage of the Institute of Medicine's recommended adequate intake for sodium of 1500 mg a day (IOM 2005). This value is much lower than what the FDA requires be listed on food labels -- 2400 mg.Americans average 3,400 mg of sodium a day. Most of this sodium comes from processed foods where sodium is added to mask the lack of freshness by enhancing the flavor, texture or palatability and extending shelf-life (IOM 2010). Many of these uses are for the manufacturers benefit and not the consumer's health as excess sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease (IOM 2010).
Contains 1 ingredient(s) associated with cancer: Sodium Nitrite
Good source of naturally occurring calcium [read more]
Calcium is necessary for strong bones and decreasing the risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture. Calcium is also important for healthy muscles and nervous system function.
This product contains added sugar ingredients: Sugars [read more]
Eating too much of any type of sugar can lead to tooth decay. Added sugars like high fructose corn syrup, honey, sugar and dextrose are more concerning than natural sugars like raisins because they can lead to obesity by adding calories without being accompanied by important nutrients like potassium, vitamin C or fiber. Americans average 22 teaspoons of added sugar a day (NCI 2010; USDA and DHHS 2010). The World Health Organization recommends no more than 6 to 12 teaspoons of added sugar a day for adults, children should eat even less (WHO 2002; WHO 2014).
Product has been classified as having moderate processing concerns
From the Package
MECHANICALLY SEPARATED CHICKEN, CHICKEN BROTH, WATER, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF: SALT, SPICES, BEEF, PORK, SUGAR, SODIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM ERYTHORBATE, FLAVORING, SODIUM NITRITE, GARLIC POWDER.
FAQs
The new tool is the most comprehensive food-rating database available to consumers, EWG said. Its scoring system factors in not only nutrition, but also ingredients of concern, such as food additives, and contaminants. It also estimates the degree to which foods have been processed.
What does EWG stand for in food? ›
About EWG's Food Scores
Environmental Working Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, EIN 52-2148600. Data provided by LabelINSIGHT®. Content Copyright © 2024, EWG. All Rights Reserved.
How to know if a food is healthy or not? ›
10 quick and easy ways to tell if a food is nutritious
- 1) Read the ingredient list. ...
- 2) Look at how long the ingredient list is. ...
- 3) Pay attention to types of fats. ...
- 4) Look for "100%" ...
- 5) Consider convenience. ...
- 6) Look at the expiration date. ...
- 7) Consider where you are in the grocery store. ...
- 8) Focus on fiber.
EWG combines the three separate ratings - nutrition, ingredient concerns and processing - into a single score for each food product. These overall scores represent our integrated assessment of the food. Scores range from 1 (best) to 10 (worst).
What is the EWG controversy? ›
Environmental Working Group has opposed the use of zero carbon nuclear energy and faced criticism for its scientific methods and exaggerations of toxicological risks.
Can I trust EWG? ›
EWG Verified® recognizes products that meet EWG's strictest standards for your health. This means none of EWG's chemicals of concern. This means full transparency. This means a mark you can trust.
What are the 5 most processed foods to avoid? ›
Here is a short list of some unhealthy processed foods to avoid:
- Sugary beverages such as sweetened coffee and tea, energy drinks and soft drinks.
- Deli meats, hot dogs and sausages.
- Frozen pizza and frozen meals.
- Packaged snacks such as chips, cookies, crackers and baked goods.
- Most breakfast cereals.
- Canned or instant soups.
figure out if a food is HIGH or. LOW in a nutrient, Use the 5-20 Rule. If the % DV is 5 or less then it is low in that nutrient, If the% DV is 20% or more then it is high in that nutrient. The %DV is based on a 2,000- calorie diet – your needs might be more or less than this.
What are the signs that food is not safe to eat? ›
Foods that deteriorate and develop unpleasant odors, tastes, and textures are spoiled. Spoilage bacteria can cause fruits and vegetables to get mushy or slimy, or meat to develop a bad odor. Most people would not choose to eat spoiled food. However, if they did, they probably would not get sick.
Do companies pay for EWG ratings? ›
To fund EWG Verified and EWG Reviewed for Science, companies pay a fee to participate. Q: What is the cost of EWG Reviewed for Science? A: The cost depends on the size of the company, the number of products being assessed and the timeline. Our consultancy engagements range from one month to a year in duration.
EWG is an independent nonprofit organization largely funded by individual donations and grants from charitable foundations.
How to find non-toxic products? ›
EWG.org is your new best friend! This website does it's own research on products and identifies toxic ingredients and what their side effects are (hormone disrupting, carcinogenic, etc.) and each product is giving a rating from 1-10 based on how toxic it is (1 and 2 being ideal).
What do dermatologists think of EWG? ›
Zoe Draelos, a consulting professor at the Duke University School of Medicine and spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology, who also tests sunscreen products in her laboratory, applauds the EWG for looking at the safety and effectiveness of sunscreens, but feels the group is making unfair “sweeping ...
What is the best food database? ›
FooDB is the world's largest and most comprehensive resource on food constituents, chemistry and biology. It provides information on both macronutrients and micronutrients, including many of the constituents that give foods their flavor, color, taste, texture and aroma.
Where does EWG obtain its data? ›
Where did the data in your database come from? EWG requested water contaminant data from public and environmental health agencies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. We then compiled the over 31 million records we received.
This product is not certified organic [read more]
Good source of naturally occurring calcium [read more]