FDA TO DEFINE WHAT THE WORD “NATURAL” MEANS ON A PRODUCT

The Food and Drug Administration is seeking comments from the public on use of the term “natural” in the labeling of food products, including dietary supplements. This decision comes after receiving three citizen petitions asking it to define the term “natural” and one petition asking to prohibit the term from being used on food labels. So far, the FDA has not attempted to restrict the term, except for cases involving added color, synthetic substances, and flavors. The FDA hopes to remove some of the ambiguity from the term and limit misleading claims by establishing an official definition.

The agency also alludes to the plethora of lawsuits regarding the term “natural” as a reason to seek comments in the notice. The FDA is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to examine the use of the term in meat, poultry, and egg products, and is also considering areas for coordination between FDA and USDA. Comments must be received on or before Feb. 10, 2016.