Food
Into: Food and drink 
How do we choose foods? Food signs and quality marks
There are various sign and quality marks used on food. Here we mention a few key ones that are related to sustainability, namely:
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG)
Organic labelling
Demeter / Biodynamic farming labelling
Protected Geographical Status (PGS)
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) are all (...) Read more
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Organic Food
Into: Food and drink How do we choose foods? Food choices, solidarity and consumer empowerment
Food producers are obliged by law to give specific information on the labels of products they process or pack. This applies to all food produced. So even any cottage industry processed food (e.g. gbejniet, pickled vegetables, jam, marmalade, carob syrup, honey, wine etc.) should bear the minimal information required by law, namely an ingredients list, the date mark, the place of origin, net weight and address of producer or pack. However, more information can be given to empower the (...) Read more
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Food Miles - Buying Local
Into: Food and drink How do we choose foods? Food labelling
A consumer can learn where a food product originates from by checking the name and address of the manufacturer, packager or retailer as indicated on the label. However, these details can sometimes be misleading. For example, imported beef that is processed in Malta can be described as ’produced in the Malta’, giving the impression that the meat is of Maltese origin. So how does traceability help in determining the origins of food, and why is traceability important?
What is ’traceability’? (...) Read more
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Food Miles - Buying Local
Into: Food and drink How do we choose foods? Food labelling
The law outlines that food products must have a date mark. This is required to help the consumer know the time limit to purchase or use the product at its best quality. It is not a safety date.
In Malta there are two date labels for food: The ’Use by’ date and the ’Best before’ date.
Date marks and shelf life
A date mark indicates the end of a food product’s shelf life. The shelf life is the period of time that food can be kept under appropriate storage conditions before it starts to (...) Read more
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Into: Food and drink How do we choose foods? Food labelling
Nutrition labelling is currently regulated by Directive 90/496/EEC. This Directive states that the nutrition information on a label is voluntary, but becomes a compulsory requirement where a claim is made on a food product, such as ‘high in fibre’ or ‘low fat’. New regulations will be in force in the coming years to make some aspects of nutritional labelling mandatory for most food products.
Nutrition labelling legislation: Plans for change in legislation
A new Food Information Regulation (...) Read more
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Into: Food and drink How do we choose foods? Food labelling
Health claims on food labels are claims by manufacturers of food products that their food will reduce the risk of developing a disease or condition. For example, a manufacturer of oat-based breakfast cereal may claim that oat bran can reduce cholesterol, which will lower the chances of developing serious heart conditions. Or the packaging of a particular food product might have a statement that the food product helps to fight colds, or to lose weight, or strengthens bones. These claims are (...) Read more
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Into: Food and drink How do we choose foods? Food signs and quality marks
A number of other signs and marks used on foods and which are available internationally are the:
Fairtrade
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
Dolphin Safe
Freedom Food
LEAF
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Carbon Footprint
Fair trade
The Fair trade Certification mark is given to products which guarantee farmers in the developing world a fair price and better working and living conditions. The internationally-recognised Fair trade mark guarantees a very rigorous process of (...) Read more
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Into: Food and drink Introduction Food as a durable resource
Here are some simple tips for being a sustainable consumer when shopping for food.
- Buy food from a trustworthy food producer (a farmer friend, or a farmers’ co-operative).
Buy fruit and vegetables from a street vendor or vendors at an open market, who will weigh the food and place it directly in your wicker basket or calico bag. Buy products directly from the vegetable market to ensure the cheapest, freshest seasonal produce. Buy organic produce. Either buy directly from a farmer (...) Read more
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Organic Food
