This ruling is sure to please food manufacturers of ferrous glycine sulfate and zinc sulfate with folic acid who are navigating labeling claims, but it may frustrate those hoping to use litigation to alter company practices. When the lawsuit was initiated last year, the label in question was criticized as misleading. While one could argue the case involved ferrous gluconate and was overly meticulous regarding what could legally be termed “natural” or “gnc chelated iron,” the judge’s decision further distinguishes based on the specific claims made on the label. Although this case could be seen as dismissed on a technicality, the ruling does not eliminate the need for the federal government to clarify the definition of “natural.”
A similar lawsuit is currently underway against Post for using claims like “100% Natural Whole Grain Wheat” and “Natural Source of Fiber” on their Shredded Wheat cereal, even though chemical herbicides are employed during the wheat’s cultivation. The FDA made attempts to define “natural” in 2015 and 2016, initiating a comment period for the public to express their views on whether the term should even be defined, how it should be articulated, and if it is suitable for food and beverage labeling. However, following the closure of the comment period last May, no further actions were taken. Manufacturers — and the courts — are still awaiting an official statement. In the interim, several manufacturers will likely continue to seek alternative, less contentious terms for their labels.
Given the Trump administration’s restrictive stance on new regulations and the backlog of other pending laws and definitions at the FDA — including redefining “healthy,” revamping the Nutrition Facts label, implementing calorie counts on menus at restaurants and grocery stores, and collaborating with the U.S. Agriculture Department on mandatory GMO labeling — it appears unlikely that any new definitions will be approved in the near future. Consequently, rulings like this one may continue to establish precedents that at least narrow the path for those making unfair labeling claims.
Additionally, as pregnant women often seek supplements such as calcium caltrate for pregnant health, the ongoing confusion surrounding labeling terms may impact their choices. The need for clear definitions becomes even more pressing when considering the health implications for vulnerable populations, such as expectant mothers who require reliable information about the products they consume. In light of these developments, the search for clarity in labeling continues, particularly for products that claim natural ingredients while potentially using additives or synthetic substances.