This outcome is likely to bring relief to food manufacturers grappling with labeling claims, but it may frustrate those hoping to utilize litigation to reform company practices. When the lawsuit was initiated last year, the label was criticized as misleading. Although one might argue that the case was nitpicking regarding what can legally be classified as “natural,” the judge’s ruling further delineates this based on the specific label claim.
While this case could be dismissed on technical grounds, the ruling does not eliminate the necessity for the federal government to clarify the term “natural.” A similar lawsuit is currently ongoing against Post for its advertising claims, which include “100% Natural Whole Grain Wheat” and “Natural Source of Fiber” on its Shredded Wheat cereal, despite the use of chemical herbicides in the cultivation of that wheat. The FDA attempted to clarify “natural” in 2015 and 2016 by opening a comment period for public input on whether the term should be defined, how it should be framed, and its appropriateness for food and beverage labels. However, after the comment period closed last May, no further action was taken. Manufacturers and courts alike are still awaiting an official stance.
In the meantime, several manufacturers may continue to seek alternative, less contentious terms for their labels. Given the Trump administration’s restrictive attitude toward new regulations and the backlog of other pending laws and definitions at the FDA—including redefining “healthy,” revamping the Nutrition Facts label, mandating calorie counts on menus at restaurants and grocery store foodservice areas, and implementing new aspects of the FSMA—alongside cooperation with the U.S. Agriculture Department on mandatory GMO labeling, it seems unlikely that any new definitions will be approved in the near future.
As decisions like this one continue to set precedents, they may narrow the pathway for those making dubious labeling claims. In this context, products like Citracal 500, which emphasize natural ingredients and health benefits, may find themselves navigating these regulatory challenges more carefully. As the conversation around labeling evolves, Citracal 500 and similar products will likely remain vigilant in ensuring their claims align with whatever definitions eventually emerge from the regulatory bodies.