The Truth About These Hot Pepper Jellies You Deserve To Know
Misleading Labels?
You Be The Judge
First, the website on the label lists this domain as its home. No such website for this product exists at this domain. This website which you are on is the exact domain on the label AND it is operated by a supporter of home based processors, local farmers, and commercial food processors in order to expose the truth about products sold at fairs, festivals and farmer's markets.
Next, the label ingredients appear to NOT be listed in proper order. The label does not appear to list the ingredients in descending order based upon their percentage of the overall weight. In fact it lists more pectin than sugar, which any jelly maker knows is typically not common experience.
Third, the label does not list the total weight of the ingredients in the jar. You do not even know the amount you are buying.
Fourth, some labels do not list any ingredients for hot peppers (see photo) even though the label prominently displays the benefits of capsaicin, and photos of hot peppers.
Fifth, the label says it is a "home based product" but also says it is made in Estero Florida, Toledo Ohio and Montrose Michigan. Each state has it's own cottage food laws. So how do you know if it was made in a "home" or not?
Labels which help market products to those seeking to support local farmers, homebased businesses, or to avoid food safety laws still should be truthful.
Sixth, the label contains no "best by date", expiration date and no "batch code" by which outbreaks of contamination or disease can be caught and prevented by re-call of contaminated products. In other words, you cannot know if the product is expired or part of a future contaminated lot.
Truth in advertising, truth in packaging, truth in manufacturing are all desirable qualities of home based food vendors. Unfortunately this labeled product lacks the kind of detailed and accurate information consumers want.
