Cookie Policy
Last updated: January 2024
This Cookie Policy explains how Holistic Food Guide ("we," "us," "our," or "Company") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website at holisticfoodguide.info. We are committed to transparency about our data practices and your privacy rights.
By continuing to access our website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Cookie Policy. If you do not agree with our practices, please adjust your browser settings accordingly.
The information on this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites function more efficiently, enhance user experience, and provide analytics data.
Cookies can be categorized by:
- Duration: Session cookies (deleted when you close your browser) or persistent cookies (remain stored for a set period)
- Source: First-party cookies (set by our website) or third-party cookies (set by external services)
- Purpose: Essential, functional, analytical, or marketing cookies
Types of Cookies We Use
1. Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as page navigation, security features, and access to restricted areas of our site.
Status: Always active (cannot be disabled without affecting site functionality)
2. Functional Cookies
Functional cookies enhance your user experience by remembering your preferences, such as language selection, font size, or saved articles. These cookies do not collect personal identifying information.
Status: Enabled by default (can be disabled in cookie settings)
3. Analytical Cookies
We use analytical cookies to understand how visitors interact with our content. This helps our editorial team optimize articles, improve navigation, and understand which topics resonate with our audience.
Status: Enabled by default (can be disabled in cookie settings)
4. Marketing & Third-Party Cookies
We may allow third-party services to place cookies for analytics, content delivery, and general site optimization. These do not include retargeting or behavioral advertising cookies.
Status: Opt-in (can be enabled/disabled in cookie preferences)
Cookie List & Details
| Cookie Name | Type | Duration | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHPSESSID | Essential | Session | Maintains user session and website functionality |
| csrf_token | Essential | Session | Prevents cross-site request forgery attacks |
| user_preferences | Functional | 1 year | Remembers reading preferences and saved articles |
| site_language | Functional | 1 year | Stores language preference |
| _ga | Analytical | 2 years | Google Analytics: Identifies unique users |
| _gid | Analytical | 24 hours | Google Analytics: Identifies user session |
| _gat | Analytical | 1 minute | Google Analytics: Throttles request rate |
| content_tracking | Analytical | 6 months | Tracks article engagement and reading time |
How We Use Cookies
We use cookies for the following purposes:
- Website Operation: Ensuring our website functions correctly, pages load properly, and your sessions remain secure.
- User Experience: Remembering your preferences, saved articles, and content choices to personalize your visit.
- Analytics & Insights: Understanding how readers interact with our editorial content, which articles perform well, and how to improve our platform.
- Content Optimization: Collecting anonymous data to help our editorial team create better, more relevant articles based on reader behavior.
- Security: Protecting against fraud, unauthorized access, and other security threats.
Third-Party Services
Our website integrates with the following third-party services that may place cookies:
Google Analytics
Provides anonymous traffic analytics and user behavior insights.
Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Content Delivery Networks (CDN)
Optimizes article loading times and media delivery.
Purpose: Performance and reliability only
Web Hosting Services
Maintains our website infrastructure and security.
Purpose: Essential website operations
Managing Your Cookies
Browser Cookie Settings
You can control cookies directly through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
- Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies and other site permissions
Cookie Preferences on Our Site
You can adjust your cookie preferences directly on our website using the cookie consent banner. You may:
- Accept all cookies
- Accept essential cookies only
- Customize which cookie types to enable
- Review and change preferences at any time
Important Notes
- Disabling essential cookies may affect website functionality
- Some features (article saving, preferences) require functional cookies
- Your cookie choices are stored for 1 year, then reset to default settings
- Clearing your browser cache will also clear cookies
Do Not Track (DNT)
Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" feature. Our website respects DNT signals where applicable, but we note that:
- Essential cookies will continue to function regardless of DNT settings
- Analytical cookies may be limited based on your DNT preference
- There is no universal standard for DNT implementation across websites
For more information about DNT, visit Electronic Frontier Foundation.
Data Security
We take data protection seriously:
- Our website uses HTTPS encryption to protect cookie transmission
- Analytical data is anonymized and cannot identify individuals
- Cookie data is stored securely and not shared with unauthorized third parties
- We regularly review and update our security practices
For complete information about how we handle your data, please read our Disclaimer & Privacy Statement.
Legal Compliance
Our cookie practices comply with:
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): We obtain consent before placing non-essential cookies and allow users to withdraw consent at any time.
- ePrivacy Directive: We provide transparent information about cookie usage and user choice.
- UK PECR: We comply with Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations for UK users.
- CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act): California residents have additional rights regarding their personal information.
Questions About This Policy?
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
For content questions or feedback about our articles, please send us a message through our FAQ page.
Policy Updates
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page and, if necessary, by email.
Continued use of our website after updates indicates your acceptance of the revised Cookie Policy. We encourage you to review this policy regularly.
Related Information
Disclaimer & Privacy Statement
Read our complete privacy and disclaimer information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our platform.
Latest Articles
Discover our latest editorial content on food and wellness.
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