The Great Natural Debate

natural food labeling FDA debateThere are many healthy buzzwords buzzing around this week as everyone focuses energy in pursuit of lofty goals and New Year's Resolutions. 'Natural' is garnering quite a bit of attention lately thanks to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Currently, the FDA is reviewing what "natural" means and has requested information and opinions in response to three questions: Is it appropriate to define the "natural?" If so, how should hte FDA define "natural?" and How should the agency determine appropriate use of the term on food labels? Check out Rancho La Puerta and Golden Door founder Deborah Szekely's thoughts on Wellness Warrior and send your own two cents to help clarify natural. According to Szekely, for a food to be considered natural it must contain no toxic pesticides used during agricultural production, no artificial materials or chemicals used during processing, no artifical ingredients or colors used during manufacturing, and no GMOs at any point in the process. The comment period is open through February 10. The upcoming FDA decision on the "natural" label could have a significant effect on the health of the U.S. and possible regulation on the term in other uses, like spa and skincare.