I recently had a conversation with someone who believed that “All Natural” and “Certified Organic” mean the same thing. This individual thought the only difference between the two labels is that “All Natural” products are not reviewed by a certifier, but the “All Natural” producers follow the same rules. They also felt that “Certified Organic” has been over commercialized and that is why they buy “All Natural.”
The only definition of “All Natural” that has ever been established by the USDA is: ”Contains no artificial flavors or artificial colors.”
Thats it. There are no “All Natural” specifications determining how the grains are grown or what conditions the animal is raised in. You can use GMO seeds in “All Natural” products, spray whatever you wish on the plants and use whatever fertilizer you want. You just can’t use any artificial flavors or colors. As far as animals are concerned, you can pack as many as you are legally allowed into a barn or feed lot, feed them whatever you wish and give them whatever you want to promote growth. You just can’t add any artificial flavors or colors to the meat.
As far as over commercialization, “All Natural” is the second most frequent claim in the grocery store, second only to “Low Fat”. If you want to eat well and help overcome these misperceptions about how food is labeled you must learn to be the most feared and revered person in society, “The Educated Consumer.”
Know your grower, Know how it is grown and what it is fed. Do not be afraid to ask these questions.
