The Lack of a Formal FDA Definition
One of the most important things to understand is that, unlike terms like "organic," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not established a formal regulatory definition for the term "natural". Instead, the FDA has a long-standing informal policy, which states that it has not objected to the use of the term on food products that contain no artificial or synthetic ingredients, including color additives. However, this policy is intentionally narrow and leaves significant room for interpretation and potential consumer confusion.
What the FDA's Informal Policy Covers
- Artificial/Synthetic Ingredients: The main thrust of the policy is to prevent the addition of anything artificial or synthetic to a food product that would not normally be expected to be in that food. This includes artificial flavors and synthetic color additives.
- Not a Health Claim: Crucially, the FDA's policy on "natural" was not intended to imply any nutritional or health benefits. This means a product can be labeled "natural" but still be high in sugar, fat, or sodium, offering no inherent advantage over a product without the label.
- Limited Scope: The FDA's policy does not address food production methods, such as the use of pesticides or whether a product contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This is a major point of consumer misunderstanding, as many assume "natural" also means pesticide-free or non-GMO.
The USDA's More Specific Regulation for Meat and Poultry
While the FDA's policy is broad and informal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides a slightly more defined standard for the "natural" label specifically on meat, poultry, and egg products.
According to the USDA, a "natural" product must:
- Contain no artificial ingredients.
- Have no added color.
- Be only minimally processed.
Additionally, any product using the "natural" label must include a brief statement explaining what is meant by the term, such as "minimally processed; no artificial ingredients". While more specific than the FDA's guidance, the USDA's definition still does not account for how the animal was raised, including the use of antibiotics or growth hormones. Consumers should look for other labels, like "organic" or "pasture-raised," to find information on those practices.
The Disconnect Between Consumer Perception and Reality
Consumer perception of the "natural" label often far exceeds its legal definition. Many consumers wrongly assume that a "natural" label means a product is healthier, safer, free of pesticides, and environmentally friendly. This creates a significant gap between what the label promises and what it actually delivers, often leading to a financial cost for the consumer. A 2014 USA Today story cited that 66% of consumers wrongly believed the "natural" label had some certified meaning, highlighting this widespread misinformation.
Comparative Table: 'Natural' vs. 'Organic'
This table summarizes the key differences between the loosely regulated "natural" label and the strictly defined "organic" label, which is often confused with it.
| Feature | 'Natural' Label | 'Organic' Label |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | FDA provides an informal policy (no artificial ingredients or colors); USDA has a more specific definition for meat/poultry. | Strictly regulated by the USDA with formal standards and certification processes. |
| Artificial Ingredients | No artificial colors, flavors, or synthetic substances. | Prohibits the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and artificial ingredients. |
| Processing | May be minimally processed (USDA meat only). | Involves specific, defined processing standards. |
| GMOs | May contain GMOs. | Prohibits genetically modified organisms (GMOs). |
| Pesticides/Hormones | No regulation or restriction on use in production. | Prohibits synthetic pesticides and artificial growth hormones. |
| Animal Welfare | No specific standards for animal treatment. | Includes specific humane treatment standards for livestock. |
| Certification | Not a certified label; no third-party verification required. | Requires rigorous third-party certification and annual audits. |
| Cost | Not necessarily a cost indicator, can be misleading. | Often more expensive due to higher production costs and certification requirements. |
Legal Challenges and Consumer Advocacy
The ambiguity surrounding the term "natural" has not gone unnoticed. It has been the subject of numerous class-action lawsuits against food companies accused of misleading consumers. These lawsuits claim that using the term implies a healthfulness that isn't supported by the product's ingredients or manufacturing process. In 2016, citing petitions from Consumer Reports and others, the FDA requested public comments on the use of the term "natural" to potentially develop a formal definition. However, no formal rulemaking has been enacted since. Consumers are encouraged to look beyond the "natural" claim and inspect ingredient lists, nutrition facts, and specifically regulated labels like "organic" or "non-GMO project verified" to make truly informed purchasing decisions.
Conclusion
In summary, what is true concerning the natural label is that it is a largely unregulated and potentially misleading marketing term, not an official certification. While the FDA requires products labeled "natural" to be free of artificial or synthetic ingredients, its policy does not cover crucial production methods like pesticide use or genetic engineering. The USDA provides a slightly stricter but still incomplete definition for meat and poultry. For consumers, this means the label is not a reliable indicator of healthfulness, sustainability, or production standards. Shoppers must scrutinize ingredients and look for more robust labels like "organic" if they want transparency and verified production claims. The ongoing legal challenges and consumer advocacy pressure highlight the urgent need for a formal, standardized definition to eliminate the existing confusion and deception.
