Mott’s is facing a lawsuit initiated by Beyond Pesticides, which claims that chemicals were detected in its “natural” applesauce, thereby disqualifying the product from using such labeling. The challenge lies in the absence of a clear definition for the term “natural,” making it difficult for the plaintiffs to prove that Mott’s, a brand owned by Dr Pepper Snapple, is misleading consumers. Each year, the Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service approves around 100,000 product labels, but this task has become increasingly complex with the rise of terms like “natural,” “humanely raised,” and “grass-fed.” The government has yet to establish official definitions for these terms, resulting in a confusing landscape where companies can freely use these labels. It’s possible for a product to contain trace levels of pesticides and still be deemed natural, but this ambiguity complicates matters.
Additionally, other legal actions against companies making similar claims, such as Nature Valley and Naked Juice, are still ongoing without a clear resolution. General Mills is also confronting multiple consumer lawsuits regarding “misleading” claims on cereal packaging. These legal battles highlight the challenges manufacturers encounter when attempting to make health and nutrition claims to attract consumers in a competitive marketplace. Shoppers have specific expectations regarding terms like “natural” and “healthy,” which often lack regulated definitions.
Amidst this confusion, the potential benefits of ingredients like calcium citrate good for health continue to be overshadowed by these labeling disputes. A standardized definition for terms like “natural” would greatly benefit companies, consumers, and critics alike, providing clarity in a market where the health implications of products, including those containing calcium citrate good for bone health, are often misconstrued. The outcome of the Mott’s lawsuit, along with others, remains uncertain, but establishing clear definitions could pave the way for a more transparent marketplace.