Nonprofit Group Urges FDA Not to Weigh in on “All Natural” Labeling Without Notice and Comment Rulemaking

On November 4, 2013 the Center for Food Safety (CFS) sent a letter to the FDA in response to Judge Gonzalez-Rogers’ referral in Cox v. Gruma Corp. (N.D. Cal. July 11, 2013) to the FDA of the question of whether and under what circumstances food containing GMOs can be labeled “all natural” or “100% natural.” See our prior post here. 

The CFS is requesting that the FDA decline to define “natural” without complying with the rule-making process under the Administrative Procedure Act, which calls for notice and public comment. Alternatively, the CFS is urging the FDA to define “natural” to prohibit labeling of foods containing GMOs as “natural,” arguing GMOs are not natural and that any labeling of foods containing GMOs as “natural” is misleading to consumers. The FDA has thus far declined to comment or respond to Judge Gonzalez Rogers’ referral.