Labels hierarchy

Introduction

The current Labels taxonomy does not have much structure. Only some specific labels have been structured. This document outlines a proposal to add structure to the entire taxonomy. All labels should be able to fall under this hierarchy. (We can dream).

Main level

The labels can be split into two groups:

• Product: every label that describes some aspect of the consumable part.
• Packaging: in braille. (anything that is not related to the shape, material or recycling of the packaging)
• Supply Chain, describing each process from creating to having it at the consumer (Life Cycle). There is a relation with the process implementor (farmer, producer, packager, transporter, distributor). A label might cover multiple processes.

Second Level

Product

The labels in this group describe features of the consumable part. We can distinguish:

• Ingredients: like No Palm Oils, Natural ingredients,... (we should be able to link to the ingredients taxonomy)
• Nutritional Values: less sugar, with vitamin A, ...
• Non-consumable parts: the rind of the cheese, etc.
• Dietary fit: like Halal, Kosher, Vegetarian, etc.
• Health claims: lowers cholesterol

Packaging

Not sure what to add here. But there is a Braille label.

Supply Chain

Before a product reaches the consumer it goes through multiple steps or processes. We can distinguish the following processes:

• Production:
• Transformation:
• Packaging:
• Distribution
• Transportation

Each process has its own characteristics:

• Location: made in Italy, eggs laid in France, some ingredients not from France
• Ingredients sourcing: natural flavors, natural product, No GMO's

Perpendicular aspects

A producer or distributor can be put anything he wants on a label. What is the value of the claim he makes? We can distinguish the following:

• Certified labels: labels that are certified by third parties.Sometimes the label of this third party appears also on the packaging.
• Verifiable: claims that the user can verify by checking the ingredients or nutritional values
• Unverifiable: marketing speak. There is a section on Distributor labels.