GMA urges FDA to clearly define 'natural'

The Grocery Manufacturers Association has asked the FDA to more clearly define the term “natural” in comments submitted Tuesday to the agency that is soliciting feedback on use of the term. “Our industry is committed to providing consumers with labeling information in the clearest possible terms in order for them to make informed product purchases,” said Karin Moore, GMA’s SVP and general counsel.

“It is critically important for FDA to clearly define the term ‘natural’ to alleviate confusion for consumers and industry alike and to set a standard that will promote fair and consistent dealing in the marketplace among food and beverage manufacturers.”

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The FDA began seeking comments on the issue last November. The year prior, GMA had filed a citizen petition with FDA asking the agency to set a definition for the term, one of three petitions on the subject filed with the agency. In addition, some federal courts have also requested clarification from FDA on the proper use of the term “natural” in food labeling due to ongoing litigation on this topic.

The GMA comments also said that farming and agricultural methods used in the production of a crop, including pesticide or herbicide use, the use of biotech seeds, or animal husbandry (e.g., “free range,” “grass red,” “fair trade”, etc.) should not have a bearing on the “natural” status of a food or ingredient.