The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) is asking the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to more clearly define their use of the term “natural.”
“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.”
Last November, the FDA started seeking comments on the issue and the year prior, the GMA filed a citizen petition with the FDA to set a definition for the term—one of three petitions filed on the matter. Some federal courts have also requested clarification from the FDA on their definition of “natural” due to ongoing litigation on the issue.
The GMA also states that farming and agricultural methods used in the production of a crop of animal husbandry should not influence on the “natural” status of a food or ingredient.
