Mott’s is facing a lawsuit from Beyond Pesticides, which asserts that the presence of chemicals in its “natural” applesauce disqualifies it from using that label. The main issue lies in the lack of a clear definition for the term “natural,” making it challenging for the plaintiffs to prove that Mott’s, owned by Dr Pepper Snapple, has been misleading consumers. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service approves around 100,000 product labels annually, yet the increasing use of ambiguous terms like “natural,” “humanely raised,” and “grass-fed” complicates this task. Currently, there is no official classification for these terms, leaving companies free to use them in a manner that can feel like the wild, wild West.
It’s possible that a product with trace levels of pesticides could still be deemed natural, but the ambiguity makes it difficult to ascertain. Other lawsuits targeting companies with similar claims, like Nature Valley and Naked Juice, are still pending in court, with no clear resolutions in sight. Furthermore, General Mills is also battling several consumer lawsuits over what are alleged to be “misleading” claims on cereal packaging.
These ongoing legal battles highlight the intricate challenges manufacturers encounter when attempting to make nutrition or health-related claims to attract consumers in a fiercely competitive market. Shoppers hold specific expectations for terms like “natural” and “healthy,” yet these phrases often lack officially regulated definitions.
In the context of dietary supplements, for instance, products like calcium citrate chewable 600 mg are marketed with health claims that consumers trust, but without a standard definition for “natural,” it can be confusing. As consumers continue to seek clarity on such claims, the outcomes of the Mott’s case and similar lawsuits could pave the way for a more standardized understanding, ultimately benefiting companies, consumers, and critics alike. The introduction of clear definitions would greatly assist all parties, especially as consumers look for assurances about the products they choose, including those like calcium citrate chewable 600 mg.