Have you heard that Frito-Lay is being sued because the “All Natural” snacks such as Tostitos and SunChips contain ingredients made from genetically modified plants?
Independent testing on samples of snack foods showed presence of genetically modified (GMO) substances. Frito-Lay holds that their company complies with labeling requirements. The argument in the lawsuit, however, is that GMO’s are created in a lab “by swapping genetic material across species to exhibit traits not naturally theirs.”
Is this deceptive advertising or a misunderstanding of labeling laws?
Consider the definition of natural. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) there really is no strict definition of the term:
“From a food science perspective, it is difficult to define a food product that is ‘natural’ because the food has probably been processed and is no longer the product of the earth. That said, the FDA has not developed a definition for use of the term natural or its derivatives. However, the agency has not objected to the use of the term if the food does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances.” (Emphasis mine.)
Checking the label on Tostitos Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips, the ingredients are listed as: ‘Whole White Corn, Vegetable Oil (Corn, Soybean, Canola and/or Sunflower Oil), and Salt. No Preservatives.” So, no added colors, no artificial ingredients, and no synthetic substances listed. But there are ingredients that come from common GMO foods such as corn, soybeans, and canola oil. And this is where the disagreement lies.
The FDA has no immediate plans to define the term “natural.” In 2008, agency representatives stated that the FDA had limited resources to address the issue, but would reconsider if there was evidence that consumers were being misled by food manufacturers.
Let’s add something else to the mix. There are other federal agencies that issue food and labeling regulations, one being the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA does have a definition of the term natural. The USDA states that natural foods cannot have added colors or artificial ingredients and must be minimally processed so to not alter the raw product. Nothing too exciting, but it is a definition, nonetheless.
Personally, I seek out more products certified as organic. Organic certification specifies that particular practices are followed in the growing and handling of foods. As stated by the Organic Trade Association, “foods must also be “produced without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering and other excluded practices, sewage sludge or irradiation. This gives me a better idea of what I am putting on my plate.
What do you think?
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The articles written by Andrea Wenger, Birmingham Diets Examiner, are for informational purposes only and are not to be used in the place of medical advice. Please contact a licensed physician or other medical professional before changing any health care routine or before starting any diet, fitness, or exercise program. Although every effort has been made to include the most current information, new information is released daily and may cause some recommendations to change.
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