If you look at the packaging of any processed food item, you will likely notice a slew of advertising claims like low sodium or cage free. It is also likely you've seen the all natural claim. Maybe you've even purchased a product labeled all natural because you thought it was healthy for you. It turns out the all natural claim means nothing.
Many products will carry the natural or all natural slogan on its packaging. Who wouldn't want a natural product? Studies have shown that the majority of people think these claims are similar to organic foods and some actually believe it to be better than organic. Unfortunately, they are mistaken. Organic food certification is a stringent process that entails inspections, supplier checks, and paperwork trails while food manufacturers can use the natural or all natural claim at their own choosing. There is no oversight and no standard definition.
The FDA is in charge of oversight of the use of marketing slogans on food packaging, certainly a difficult task. Unfortunately, despite significant use of the natural or all natural label claims, the group has not defined these terms to standardize their use. The FDA has said it has no problem with these claims if the food products refrain from using food coloring, artificial flavors, or any synthetic additive.
In theory, that sounds like a decently healthy standard. However, high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), plants and minerals with high metal content, and more can be used in natural foods. Unfortunately, without a true definition, oversight, or a verification process, it is difficult to put much faith in the natural claim if any producer can put it on its packaging with no consequences. Not to mention, any definition that claims something is natural while accepting GMOs as such carries no weight in my mind.
Left to their own devices, food manufacturers have created their own meanings of these claims, which has led to many misleading claims and confusion among consumers. The number of scandals the food industry has experienced is countless. While I believe consumers should be more vigilant, these companies should not be allowed to make their own definitions.
Despite the government's lack of action on these label claims, consumer groups are taking action, which is refreshing to see. Tired of being lied to and exposed to dangerous ingredients, consumers are holding food manufacturers' feet to the fire. Food manufacturers and retailers have had to defend themselves against a host of significant lawsuits, and have lost quite a few. This is a trend that I expect to persist.
While I recommend eating whole foods, should you desire a processed food, I suggest putting little faith in marketing claims and to read the ingredients list in its entirety. The shorter the list, the better. Also, be sure to investigate or avoid chemicals you aren't familiar with. While we need to hold food companies accountable, we also need to be responsible in watching what we allow in our food. The FDA isn't doing its job, so we must do it for them.
Many products will carry the natural or all natural slogan on its packaging. Who wouldn't want a natural product? Studies have shown that the majority of people think these claims are similar to organic foods and some actually believe it to be better than organic. Unfortunately, they are mistaken. Organic food certification is a stringent process that entails inspections, supplier checks, and paperwork trails while food manufacturers can use the natural or all natural claim at their own choosing. There is no oversight and no standard definition.
The FDA is in charge of oversight of the use of marketing slogans on food packaging, certainly a difficult task. Unfortunately, despite significant use of the natural or all natural label claims, the group has not defined these terms to standardize their use. The FDA has said it has no problem with these claims if the food products refrain from using food coloring, artificial flavors, or any synthetic additive.
In theory, that sounds like a decently healthy standard. However, high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), plants and minerals with high metal content, and more can be used in natural foods. Unfortunately, without a true definition, oversight, or a verification process, it is difficult to put much faith in the natural claim if any producer can put it on its packaging with no consequences. Not to mention, any definition that claims something is natural while accepting GMOs as such carries no weight in my mind.
Left to their own devices, food manufacturers have created their own meanings of these claims, which has led to many misleading claims and confusion among consumers. The number of scandals the food industry has experienced is countless. While I believe consumers should be more vigilant, these companies should not be allowed to make their own definitions.
Despite the government's lack of action on these label claims, consumer groups are taking action, which is refreshing to see. Tired of being lied to and exposed to dangerous ingredients, consumers are holding food manufacturers' feet to the fire. Food manufacturers and retailers have had to defend themselves against a host of significant lawsuits, and have lost quite a few. This is a trend that I expect to persist.
While I recommend eating whole foods, should you desire a processed food, I suggest putting little faith in marketing claims and to read the ingredients list in its entirety. The shorter the list, the better. Also, be sure to investigate or avoid chemicals you aren't familiar with. While we need to hold food companies accountable, we also need to be responsible in watching what we allow in our food. The FDA isn't doing its job, so we must do it for them.
About the Author:
Be sure to check out my website for more information at Reading Food Ingredient Labels or my blog at dangers of food additives preservatives. Thank you and be well!
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