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Understanding "Natural"
Consumer demand for products labeled as natural soared to $28.2 billion in 2006, according to the Nutrition Business Journal, despite the lack of an official definition of “natural” from the FDA. Industry has come to rely on the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) definition of “natural” as “a product containing no artificial ingredient or added color and is only minimally processed (a process which does not fundamentally alter the raw product).” However, as recent news articles have brought to light, interpretations of “minimally processed” can sometimes differ significantly, resulting in ugly accusations and even lawsuits.
When faced with regulatory ambiguity, adopting a conservative interpretation of the law is often the safest route to compliance. While the official definition of “natural” is still somewhat contentious, there are basic guidelines you can use to make certain your flavor is designed to meet your finished product claims. We’ve prepared a brief guide to help you on your next “natural” project. We encourage you to work with your account executive and our regulatory department to ensure that the unique needs of your product, company, industry, and market region are considered.
Flavor |
US FDA Flavor Designation |
Flavor Ingredients |
Natural Flavor |
Natural Strawberry Flavor |
All flavor ingredients fit the FDA definition of natural listed below**. Contains strawberry essence or juice. May contain artificial solvents or additives. |
100% Natural Flavor or
All Natural Flavor (not FDA regulated) |
Natural Strawberry Flavor |
All flavor ingredients fit the FDA definition of natural. Contains strawberry essence or juice. Does not contain artificial solvents or additives. |
Natural WONF Flavor |
Strawberry Flavor Natural WONF |
All flavor ingredients fit the FDA definition of natural. Contains strawberry essence or juice. Also contains natural botanicals or essential oils from other natural sources. May contain artificial solvents or additives. |
Natural Type |
Natural Flavor Strawberry Type |
All flavor ingredients fit the FDA definition of natural. Contains no strawberry essence or juice. May contain artificial solvents or additives. |
**FDA Definition of Natural: Essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional. CFR 101.22 (a)(3) |
For information about our Organic, Organic Suitable, Halal, Kosher, and All-Natural flavor offerings, we invite you to contact your account executive or contact our sales service department at 630.578.8600.
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