What Does the Term Natural Mean on Food Labels?

We have been led to believe by many different health organizations, and especially food manufacturers, that the word “natural” means a particular food item is healthy and good for us. We tend to believe much of what is told to us or written on a label.

However, many things in the world are considered natural, like viruses and other debilitating, even deadly, microorganisms. But that does not make them good for us. So what does the term natural really mean anyway?

What Does the Term Natural Mean on Food Labels?

If you see the word Natural on a food label, is that good news?

According to the consumer advocate magazine, Consumer Reports, the word natural can be a very misleading term. While not too many food manufacturers will put the term “unnatural” on their foods, food described as natural can be healthy, unhealthy, or have no effect on you at all.

Consumer Reports believes so strongly that the natural label is being applied to possibly unnatural foods that it has urged the FDA to ban its use on food labels.

By the way, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States has not even come up with a hard definition of what natural really means on a food label.

According to Wikipedia, last updated Dec 19, 2019, they have notated that in other countries the term natural has been defined and enforced. However, the USA still does not have a defined term.

One is implied by the FDA –

The FDA has “considered the term “natural” to mean that 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 that food.”

The same problem exists in many other modern countries. That is why manufacturers of otherwise unhealthy products have been slapping the natural label on their food for years.

If the “Natural” Labeling Process Seems Confusing to You, You Are Not Alone

A recent survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center revealed that 73% of the survey takers actively searched out the term natural on food labels. 66% of those polled expressed a belief that the term natural means food with no artificial ingredients, genetically modified organisms or pesticides. But none of those requirements are mandatory for a food to carry the natural designation.

What about genetically engineered foods?

The Consumer Reports survey also showed that 86% of consumers think genetically engineered foods should be labeled as well. I certainly do too! Gross!

Still No Hard Rules

These reports are 3-5 years old and we still have no new rules for our food labels that I could find. With still open rules as to exactly what “natural” means, take care when purchasing your foods.

There are some things you can do it you find food you are considering buying is actually not “natural”.

Your first move should be to contact the manufacturer. It may take some time, but get someone on the phone. Ask some hard questions. Record the name of the individual you are talking to, and ask for any and all relevant information to be sent to you via snail mail or e-mail.

If a representative for a food manufacturer or processor tells you that information is “proprietary” and cannot be revealed, alarm bells should go off.

Also, don’t forget that foods with tons of sugar and calories may truthfully be natural, but that does not make them healthy.

The bottom line?

Try to avoid packaged foods wherever possible. Eat whole foods, more fruits and vegetables than processed food items, and you will automatically enjoy more truly natural and healthy foods.