Transparency is one of the most wide-ranging and impactful trends in the food industry today. Manufacturers and consumers alike are interested it. In order to trust food products, consumers want to know exactly what’s in food and drink, how companies conduct their business, and what kind of environment and exposure products see as they make their way through the supply chain.

How has transparency been an important force in the food industry? We’ve put together some key stories that show its impact.

1. Reports of Hampton Creek buyback underscore transparency's importance

   After a company that made its mark with simple ingredients and to-the-point business practices made headlines with an investigation into a sales scandal, experts weighed in on how food companies can convince the public that they’re honest. Read More >>

2. Why food transparency is a valuable investment

   With 40% of consumers claiming they’d switch to a brand with full product transparency, it’s official — brands can’t afford to keep their ingredients a secret. Read More >>

3. How transparency can impact recalls

   Concealing recall information doesn’t protect manufacturers. It can damage company reputations and can endanger consumers. Read More >>

4. How the GMO labeling law could lead to increased transparency

   Consumer demand for transparency will likely expand to sourcing and company policies on animal welfare, labor practices and antibiotics. Read More >>

5. SmartLabel’s role in GMO labeling compliance — and industry transparency

   Because the new federal law has linked QR codes to GMO labeling, companies without electronic disclosure may be at a disadvantage when it comes to consumer perception. Read More >>

6. USDA’s new branded food product database boosts industry transparency

   The database could be a pivotal tool for companies to communicate with consumers. Read More >>

7. Beyond the ingredients: Clean Label Project seeks to find everything in food

   Before manufacturers can eliminate substances like arsenic, lead and BPA from their products, they need to be able to identify them. This startup has developed a process to do just that, and is posting the results online. Read More >>

8. The benefits for food of whole chain traceability

   Whole chain traceability is no longer a “nice to have” alternative to “one-up and one-back” systems — it will soon become the standard for product transparency and reduction of food safety issues. Read More >>