The term “natural” is not regulated except for meat and poultry. It applies broadly to foods that are minimally processed and free of synthetic preservatives; artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors and other artificial additives; hydrogenated oils; stabilizers; and emulsifiers. Most foods labeled natural are not subject to government controls beyond the regulations and heath codes that apply to all foods.
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) requires natural meat and poultry to be free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives and ingredients. These products must be minimally processed in a method that does not fundamentally change them. The label must also explain the use of the term natural such as no artificial ingredients. Labeling meat and poultry products natural does not refer to how the sources of those foods were raised.
“Organic” refers not only to the food itself, but also to how it was produced. Foods labeled organic must meet or exceed the regulations of the National Organic Program (NOP), which took effect October 21, 2002. They must be grown and processed using organic farming methods that recycle resources and promote biodiversity. Crops must be grown without using synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes, petroleum-based fertilizers and sewage sludge-based fertilizers. Organic livestock must have access to the outdoors and be given no antibiotics or growth hormones.
Surging demand for natural and organic products has transformed a small market niche into a double-digit growth sector. U.S. sales of such foods and beverages reached $28.2 billion in 2006, according to the Nutrition Business Journal. Sales of organic foods and beverages alone increased by 22 percent to $16.9 billion.
These foods are a key component in the major consumer trend known as whole health solutions — diets that promote health and wellbeing, prevent disease, help cure illnesses and protect the environment. Retailers, suppliers and producers —natural and mainstream — are meeting this demand with new foods and organic alternatives to conventional products.
Surging demand for natural and organic products has transformed a small market niche into a double-digit growth sector. U.S. sales of such foods and beverages reached $28.2 billion in 2006, according to the Nutrition Business Journal. Sales of organic foods and beverages alone increased by 22 percent to $16.9 billion.
These foods are a key component in the major consumer trend known as whole health solutions — diets that promote health and wellbeing, prevent disease, help cure illnesses and protect the environment. Retailers, suppliers and producers —natural and mainstream — are meeting this demand with new foods and organic alternatives to conventional products.
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