Consumers Union Campaign Hopes to Elicit FDA Action on “Natural”

An online campaign launched by Consumers Union asks, “Have you ever
quickly selected one box of crackers over another because the box said it
was ‘natural’? Food companies know you probably have. They also know
they can slap the word ‘natural’ on just about anything.” The advocacy
group urges consumers to sign its petition urging the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) to prohibit use of the term “natural” or take action
to define it.

Findings of a December 2015 Consumer Reports survey reportedly indicate
respondents want stricter standards for natural and organic labeling
on meat, poultry and packaged and processed foods.

Issue 592