Does the label 'natural' on a food product guarantee its safety and healthiness?

The term 'natural' on food labels can be misleading and often does not guarantee the safety or healthiness of a product. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have a formal definition for the term 'natural' and it is not regulated by the agency. In fact, the FDA states that it has not objected to the use of the term if the food does not contain added color, artificial flavors, or synthetic substances.

However, this does not necessarily mean that a product labeled 'natural' is healthier or safer than other foods. Many foods labeled as 'natural' still contain high amounts of sugar, salt, and fat, and may not be any more nutritious than other processed foods. Additionally, the 'natural' label does not take into account other factors such as farming practices, pesticide use, or genetic modification.

It is important for consumers to read food labels carefully and not rely solely on the 'natural' label to determine the safety or healthiness of a product. The FDA recommends looking for specific claims such as 'organic', 'no added sugars', or 'low sodium' to help make informed choices.