(NaturalNews) The FDA has no intention to define the term "natural" for food products any time in the near future, saying that it has other priorities.
In 2007, the agency received two petitions for a clear definition of the term in order to avoid consumer confusion. One petition came from the Sugar Association, which wants FDA backing for claiming that sugar is a natural sweetener, while the second came from baked goods manufacturer Sara Lee. According to Sara Lee, a formal definition is needed to provide consistency for manufacturers and consumers.
This lack of consistency has led to a wide range of products being claimed as "natural," claims that have even sparked some lawsuits.
While the FDA has not responded to either petition yet, Geraldine June of the FDA Food Labeling and Standards department, says that the agency has not seen enough evidence that consumers are being misled by "natural" labels for the issue to become a priority. June said that the FDA has a limited budget and must prioritize issues that have an impact on health and safety, including health and nutrient claims, allergen declarations and irradiation labeling.
"Even if people interpret ["natural"] in different ways, it doesn't mean there is confusion out there," June said. "If there was, then we would definitely raise it as a priority".
In 1993, the FDA said that it would consider defining the term, "because of the widespread use of this term, and the evidence that consumers regard many uses of this term as noninformative." At that time, the agency also cited insufficient resource as a reason for the lack of a definition.
FDA rules currently allow the term "natural" to be used on food products as long as such use "is truthful and not misleading." The term natural may not be used on any food product that contains artificial colors or flavors or "synthetic substances." Specific ingredients are also prohibited from being labeled "natural," except for "natural flavors."
Related Articles
• Plant-Based Diets: An Overview of Options for Optimal Health
• Marine Phytoplankton is Next Revolutionary Superfood for Disease Prevention and Extraordinary Health
• The Value of Preparing Food to Stay Healthy and Satisfied
• Reel Fulfillment: What Can You Learn From Movies?
• Codex Designates GMOs as Contaminants in Food
 |
Additional Resources:
food
the FDA
labeling
|
Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com
 Email this article to a friend
 Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us
Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/023850.html
Reprinting this article: Non-commercial OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link.
|
 |
 |
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE
 Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber!
- Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more.
- Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.
|
|
 |
 |
Recommended Special Report:
 Seven Words that can Change the World
by Joseph R. Simonetta
Read this special report now...
"Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com
|
More on NaturalNews.com:
• Streaming Health Ranger Videos
• CounterThink Cartoons
• FREE Special Reports
• Podcasts
|
 |
|
 |
 |
NEW 6-CD audio set reveals amazing new protocol for reversing cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and more. Click to learn more. |
 |
Own the first 8 Health Ranger Report audio programs on 6 CDs. Covers weight loss, ADHD, vaccinations, processed meats, bone health and more. Click to learn more. |
Featured Videos
Short clip on Aspartame
A short clip on aspartame from the documentary All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive video on Aspartame
The dangers of aspartame! Exclusive interview footage from Cori Brackett of Sweet Remedy.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive Footage from All Jacked Up!
See interview footage featuring the Health Ranger in the upcoming junk food film, All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Drug Ad Parody
See the Health Ranger's satire parody of Merck's cholesterol drug ad.
Click here to view now... |
The FDA's Wheel of Salmonella
The Plan for the Food Supply
Fidozac: Antidepressant Drugs for Dogs
|
|
Read recommendations on supplement companies, health food manufacturers and personal care product makers that you can trust. Our 100% independent review list tells you who to trust and who to avoid in the natural health industry. Click to read. |
|
Printable Version
