Shoppers need help clarifying food labels

In October, the Organic & Natural Health Organization reported that 1 in 3 U.S. consumers do not know the difference between natural and organic products.

To help clarify what these labels mean and where to find resources for consumers, we asked experts from FDA, USDA, and Certified Naturally Grown to weigh in.
 

Produce Grower: What does a natural label ensure to consumers?

Liz Freedman, FDA: The FDA does not define the term “natural” in our regulations. However, we do have a longstanding policy on the use of the term on FDA-regulated products to mean 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 the food. The USDA/FSIS also has a policy on the use of “natural” for USDA-regulated products. The USDA FSIS policy includes criteria of being “minimally processed.”
 

PG: What does an organic label ensure to consumers?

Sam Jones-Ellard, USDA: The USDA organic seal assures consumers that the product has 95 percent or more certified organic content. If the label claims that it was made with specified organic ingredients, consumers can be sure that those specific ingredients are certified organic.

• For an overview of organic labeling, please visit: 1.usa.gov/1O56WXQ
• For an overview of the production and handling requirements, please visit: 1.usa.gov/1GvkDN2

PG: How can consumers become more educated about the labels of products they’re purchasing?

LF: Product labels often carry toll-free phone numbers that consumers can call to learn more about the product. Consumers can also visit the FDA or USDA websites to learn more about what these and other terms mean. FDA’s Labeling and Nutrition page is a good resource. Consumers can also call 888-723-3366 (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time), or submit a consumer inquiry form at cfsan.force.com/Inquirypage if they have questions that aren’t addressed on the website.

SJ: We are working continually to improve our information about the National Organic Program, and organic labeling. In fact, for the first time, we now have a “one-stop-shop” for all USDA information pertaining to organic programs and opportunities on the USDA homepage 1.usa.gov/1MQQHHQ.

[USDA has] the Organic 101 blog series, lots of factsheets on organics, the Organic Integrity Newsletter and the Organic Insider. All of these products are geared toward educating consumers and stakeholders about organic agriculture and the work of the National Organic Program. 1.usa.gov/1Xwo1vq.

PG: What is the difference between Certified Naturally Grown and other organic certifications?

Hannah Ramer, Certified Naturally Grown: Certified Naturally Grown standards are based on the National Organic Standards. Like USDA Organic farms, CNG farms don’t use synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers or genetically modified organisms. CNG livestock must be raised on pasture, with freedom to move around, and their feed must be organically grown. Certified Naturally Grown is based on a participatory guarantee system where inspections are typically conducted by other farmers. This approach fosters farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing and promotes local networks that strengthen the farming community. Furthermore, CNG’s certification process is open and transparent to the public. Each member’s application is posted online along with their signed declaration and inspection summary.

Editors Note: On Nov. 10, FDA announced it is accepting public comments on the use of the term “natural” on food labelling. For more: 1.usa.gov/20Rs5Jb