As FDA Seeks to Clarify ‘Natural' Food Label, Judges Could Shelve Pending Cases – Sarah Brew Discusses in Politico

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may finally settle the dispute that has launched a multitude of lawsuits: what is the definition of “natural” food? As detailed in Politico, the FDA announced in November that it would seek public comment on such a definition, a development that Sarah Brew, Faegre Baker Daniels partner and leader of the firm’s food litigation and regulatory practice, said could lead federal judges to halt a number of pending lawsuits concerning “natural” labeling.

Over the past several years, industry groups and consumer agencies have asked the FDA to clarify their definition of “natural,” and all those parties will want to have a say in the public comment process. Still, Brew noted that while the issue may be contentious, the FDA has tackled similar measures in the past.

“If they can do a definition for ‘healthy,’ they can do it for ‘natural,’” Brew said.