As store shelves become crowded with products that feature food labeling purporting to be “natural,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is asking the public to weigh in on what the term means.
Consumer petitions asking that the FDA define the term “natural” for use in food labeling prompted the agency to take formal action. A press statement announcing the request for public comment also noted that federal courts have requested administrative determinations from the FDA regarding whether food products containing ingredients produced using genetic engineering or foods containing high fructose corn syrup may be labeled as “natural.”
In a 2014 letter to several federal court judges, the FDA stated that its existing policy defined “natural” label on food products as meaning “nothing artificial or synthetic (including all color additives regardless of source) has been included in, or has been added to, a food that would not normally be expected to be in the food.” The FDA now acknowledges that its policy is in serious need of an update.
“[T]his policy was not intended to address food production methods, such as the use of pesticides, nor did it explicitly address food processing or manufacturing methods, such as thermal technologies, pasteurization, or irradiation. The FDA also did not consider whether the term “natural” should describe any nutritional or other health benefit,” the FDA stated.
The FDA has not committed to sanctioning a specific definition of “natural” to be applied in food product labeling. Rather, the agency is specifically seeking information and public comment on questions such as:
Whether it is appropriate to define the term “natural,”
If so, how the agency should define “natural,” and
How the agency should determine appropriate use of the term on food labels.
The FDA is accepting public comments through February 10, 2016. We will continue to monitor the FDA’s actions on this issue and will provide updates as they become available.
Related Articles
Eat More Kale Trademark Dispute Is A David vs. Goliath Situation
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Businesses Are Facing Financial Headwinds—A Practical Guide
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
President Trump's Termination of Member Gwynne Wilcox
On January 28, 2025, the Trump Administration terminated Gwynne Wilcox from her position as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or the Board). Gwynne Wilcox, a union side lawyer for Levy Ratner, was confirmed to the Board for an original term in 2021 and confirmed again for a successive five-year term expiring […]
Breach of Contract Explained: Types and Consequences
Breach of contract disputes are the most common type of business litigation. Therefore, nearly all New York and New Jersey businesses will likely have to deal with a contract dispute at least once. Understanding when to file a breach of contract lawsuit and how long you have to sue for breach of contract is essential […]
How to Dissolve a Corporation in New Jersey: A Step-by-Step Guide
Closing your business can be a difficult and challenging task. For corporations, the process includes formal approval of the dissolution, winding up operations, resolving tax liabilities, and filing all required paperwork. Whether you need to understand how to dissolve a corporation in New York or New Jersey, it’s imperative to take all of the proper […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
