Mott’s is facing a lawsuit from Beyond Pesticides, which claims that chemicals were detected in its “natural” applesauce, thus invalidating its use of that label. The challenge lies in the absence of a clear definition of what “natural” means, making it difficult for plaintiffs to prove that Mott’s, a product of Dr Pepper Snapple, is being deceptive. Each year, the Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service approves around 100,000 product labels, but this task has become increasingly complicated due to the rise of ambiguous terms like “natural,” “humanely raised,” and “grass-fed.” The government has yet to provide official classifications for these terms, resulting in a chaotic environment where companies freely use these descriptors. It’s possible for a product to contain trace levels of pesticides and still be classified as natural, but clarity on this issue is lacking.
Similar lawsuits against companies such as Nature Valley and Naked Juice are still pending, and there’s no clear resolution in sight. General Mills is also battling multiple consumer lawsuits over claims of “misleading” labeling on cereal packaging. These legal actions highlight the challenges manufacturers face when attempting to make nutrition or health-related claims in a competitive marketplace. Consumers often have specific expectations about terms like “natural” and “healthy,” yet these terms lack consistently regulated definitions.
Moreover, the discussion around product labeling is relevant not just for understanding terms like “natural,” but also for health claims related to the absorption rate of calcium citrate. As consumers become more health-conscious, they are increasingly scrutinizing product claims, including the absorption rate of calcium citrate as it relates to their dietary choices. The outcomes of the Mott’s lawsuit and others like it could set important precedents. Establishing a standard definition for these terms would significantly benefit companies, consumers, and critics alike. Ultimately, it is essential to clarify what constitutes a “natural” product, especially when considering health-related aspects, including the absorption rate of calcium citrate.