What are ‘natural’ foods?: FDA asks for the public’s opinion

By Kerry Chan Laddaran, special to CNN
2 minute read
Updated 9:30 AM EST, Mon November 16, 2015
Chipotle, the popular burrito chain, announced on April 27 that it will only use ingredients free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), although studies suggest that GMOs do not present a risk to human health.
Chipotle, the popular burrito chain, announced on April 27 that it will only use ingredients free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), although studies suggest that GMOs do not present a risk to human health.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
The FDA does not define what terms such as "natural" mean, despite urges from policy groups.
'All Natural' —
The FDA does not define what terms such as "natural" mean, despite urges from policy groups.
Toby Talbot/AP
Cartons of Horizon Organic milk carry the USDA Organic seal which requires that at least 95% of its ingredients are organic.
'Organic' —
Cartons of Horizon Organic milk carry the USDA Organic seal which requires that at least 95% of its ingredients are organic.
Scott Eells/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Although the gluten-free label on food packages is voluntarily, the FDA holds manufacturers accountable for the claims being accurate and not misleading.
'Gluten-free' —
Although the gluten-free label on food packages is voluntarily, the FDA holds manufacturers accountable for the claims being accurate and not misleading.
Daniel Acker/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Some producers claim their eggs have high levels of good-for-you omega-3, although the version of these fatty acids in eggs may not be as healthy as the ones found in salmon.
'Omega-3' —
Some producers claim their eggs have high levels of good-for-you omega-3, although the version of these fatty acids in eggs may not be as healthy as the ones found in salmon.
Shutterstock
Products that contain half than a gram or less of trans fats have to state on nutrition labels that they have zero grams and can boast this fact on the packaging.
'Trans fats' —
Products that contain half than a gram or less of trans fats have to state on nutrition labels that they have zero grams and can boast this fact on the packaging.
Smart balance/PRNewsFoto/AP
Although the FDA does not consider the level of BPA in the linings of some metal cans to be a problem, several companies, such as Eden Foods, have voluntarily removed the chemical from its canned goods.
BPA in cans —
Although the FDA does not consider the level of BPA in the linings of some metal cans to be a problem, several companies, such as Eden Foods, have voluntarily removed the chemical from its canned goods.
Shutterstock
Air chilled is a method that food manufacturers such as Bell & Evans use to sterilize chickens after slaughter, although it is not clear if it lowers the levels of bacteria associated with the bird.
'Air chilled' —
Air chilled is a method that food manufacturers such as Bell & Evans use to sterilize chickens after slaughter, although it is not clear if it lowers the levels of bacteria associated with the bird.
Bell & Evans
Products boasting whole grains may only have small amounts; choosing products that list "whole grain", "whole oats" or "whole rye" among the first ingredient helps ensure high levels of whole grains.
'Ancient or whole grains' —
Products boasting whole grains may only have small amounts; choosing products that list "whole grain", "whole oats" or "whole rye" among the first ingredient helps ensure high levels of whole grains.
Shutterstock
Food labels that sound legitimate but aren't

Story highlights

FDA is requesting public comments on the use of the term "natural" on food labeling

FDA is accepting comments from November 12 through February 10, 2016

CNN  — 

The Food and Drug Administration is asking the public to weigh in on the term “natural” used on food labels.

“Natural,” “all natural” or “made with natural ingredients” are common terms used by food manufacturers, but there aren’t any formal rules or regulations that determine what they mean.

The FDA is asking the public for help on its website after receiving citizen petitions requesting clear standards for the term and to prohibit the use of “natural” on some food labels.

Related: Americans don’t trust “all natural” food labels

Specifically, the FDA wants the public to weigh in on whether it is appropriate to define the term “natural,” and if so, how should it be defined. They also want opinions on how to determine the correct use of the term on food labels.

Under current FDA standards, foods with no artificial or synthetic ingredients, such as color additives, are considered “natural.” However, the agency says those standards do not address food production methods, such as the use of pesticides or manufacturing methods, such as thermal technologies, pasteurization or irradiation.

Related: New frontier in apples: Red or golden but never brown

Lawsuits between private parties regarding whether foods used genetic engineering or high fructose corn syrup also caused some federal courts to ask the administration for a formal definition.

The FDA is accepting electronic comments starting on November 12, 2015, through February 10, 2016.

Related: ‘Natural’ and other food labels that sound legitimate but may not be