Thousands of comments have been filed with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since November 12, 2015 for its ‘open comment’ period on the ‘natural’ foods label. Helping to fill up the comments was The American Nurses Association, weighing in on how products containing genetically modified ingredients should not be allowed in any product labeled ‘natural.’
Executive director Debbie D. Hatmaker wrote in the organization’s comments:
“Furthermore, ANA requests that the FDA require clear, appropriate food labeling including the country-of-origin and any genetic modification of any of the food’s ingredients.
The public has a right to know the contents of their food and food products and the manner in which they were processed or modified.”
What is also interesting is the lack of comments by big players in the food industry. The North American Meat Institute and the Grocery Manufacturers Association joined to request more time to prepare comments and compile information.
Due to public requests, the comment period has been extended to May 10, 2016. You can make your comments, here. PLEASE DO!
You can also comment by mail:
For submissions by mail, use the following address.
Be sure to include docket number FDA-2014-N-1207 on each page of your written comments.
Division of Dockets Management
HFA-305
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061
Rockville, MD 20852
There have already been numerous lawsuits against companies for using the phrase ‘all natural’ on food products containing GMOs. Kashi had to pay $4 million in a false advertising lawsuit put forth in Florida. The lawsuit claimed that Kellogg’s, the parent company for Kashi, advertised an “all natural” (GM-free) product that was, in reality, full of genetically modified ingredients.
In another instance, JM Smucker settled a class action lawsuit accusing the company of misleading consumers. The company’s Crisco cooking oil was labeled as ‘all natural,’ when it actually contained GMOs.
Share your opinion on the subject in our comment section below. Do you agree that the FDA should prohibit the use of the word “natural” on genetically engineered foods or foods containing any genetically engineered ingredients?
Sources:
Food Safety News
NursingWorld