News

IFT offers FDA 'natural' guidance

31 May 2016

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) recently submitted written comments to the FDA on the use of the term natural in the labelling of human food products.

IFT offers FDA 'natural' guidance

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) recently submitted written comments on the use of the term natural in the labelling of human food products. The current policy for the term “natural” on food labels is vague and leads to misinterpretation, confusion, and misuse of the term, it said and, in order to prevent and reduce consumer confusion, IFT is recommending that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consider either prohibiting the term entirely or clearly defining the term.

If the FDA decides to define the term, IFT recommends that they consider setting standards or guidelines for the term such as how USDA has for “organic.” Once the standards are set, harmonization should be sought for all federal agencies who regulate labelling of food and beverage products sold in the United States so there is consistency on what the term means, IFT said.

IFT recommends the FDA give careful consideration to the critical roles (such as food safety, preservation, nutritional quality, convenience, and availability) of various food processing technologies whether applied to a single ingredient or finished food product. Virtually all foods are processed to some degree, IFT notes: for example, fresh produce may be washed and bagged, nuts may be shelled, and grains have outer coatings removed, thereby leaving very few foods which would qualify as unprocessed. It will be very difficult to categorise foods as “natural”, IFT believes, based on the degree of processing: if the definition of “natural” was limited to unprocessed foods, very few foods would be able to bear the “natural” label.

IFT also said it encourages consumer education on the definition of the term “natural,” as well as the standards or guidelines that qualify a food product to include this term on its packaging. IFT also thinks it’s important to educate consumers on how specific foods and ingredients with or without the “natural” label fit into their dietary patterns.

Related tags

Natural & Clean Label

Related news

Value is a top priority for today’s F&B consumers

Value is a top priority for today’s F&B consumers

3 Apr 2025

Research from global consultancy Hartman Group suggests there are six core values that brands must tap into to connect with consumers’ needs.

Read more 
Make plant-based meat ‘tastier and more affordable’ to fight climate change

Make plant-based meat ‘tastier and more affordable’ to fight climate change

31 Mar 2025

The UK’s Climate Change Committee is calling for tastier, more affordable plant-based meat offerings as part of measures to counteract the nation’s environmental impact.

Read more 
Clean-label cereals prompt fortification debate

Clean-label cereals prompt fortification debate

28 Mar 2025

Marks & Spencer has caused a stir with the launch of a range of breakfast cereals in the UK containing minimal ingredients.

Read more 
UK consumers could be eating cultivated meat within two years

UK consumers could be eating cultivated meat within two years

26 Mar 2025

Cell-cultivated products (CCPs), from chicken nuggets to beefburgers, could be on UK supermarket shelves by 2027 after regulators launched a sandbox to accelerate approvals.

Read more 
Future F&B flavours favour exploration and explosive taste profiles

Future F&B flavours favour exploration and explosive taste profiles

25 Mar 2025

Exploration and experimentation will define the future of flavour, according to Mintel, as consumers seek out taste profiles and textures that offer an adventurous eating experience.

Read more 
Scientists reveal new crop production ideas to overcome food shortages

Scientists reveal new crop production ideas to overcome food shortages

13 Mar 2025

Researchers from the University of Illinois are exploring increasing Rubisco levels to enhance photosynthesis and elevate crop productivity.

Read more 
Coca-Cola enters the prebiotic soda category

Coca-Cola enters the prebiotic soda category

12 Mar 2025

Coca-Cola is leaning into nostalgia and the growing popularity of “gut-healthy” sodas to launch a line of prebiotic sparkling beverages.

Read more 
Smaller snack sizes represent big growth opportunity for PepsiCo

Smaller snack sizes represent big growth opportunity for PepsiCo

5 Mar 2025

Brands are responding to consumer demand for healthier products by developing classic snacks in smaller portion sizes, meaning fewer calories, lower sodium, and lower fat.

Read more 
Is the price of a sustainable and healthy diet… unsustainable?

Is the price of a sustainable and healthy diet… unsustainable?

4 Mar 2025

Healthier foods are more than twice as expensive per calorie as less healthy foods, with healthier food increasing in price at twice the rate in the past two years.

Read more 
F&B industry hit with fresh greenwashing claims

F&B industry hit with fresh greenwashing claims

26 Feb 2025

The food and beverage (F&B) industry is under fresh scrutiny amid claims of greenwashing, with Arla the latest company in the firing line.

Read more