Mott’s is facing a lawsuit initiated by Beyond Pesticides, which claims that the presence of chemicals in its “natural” applesauce disqualifies the brand from using such labeling. The core issue is the absence of a definitive explanation for what “natural” truly means, making it challenging for the plaintiffs to demonstrate that Mott’s, owned by Dr Pepper Snapple, is being deceptive. Each year, the Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service approves around 100,000 product labels, but the task has become increasingly complicated due to the rising use of terms like “natural,” “humanely raised,” and “grass-fed.” Currently, there is no official government classification for these terms, creating a chaotic environment for companies that use them on their products. It is possible for trace amounts of pesticides to be present in a product yet still be deemed natural, but determining that is difficult.
Other lawsuits against companies making similar claims, such as Nature Valley and Naked Juice, are still pending in court, and many have yet to reach a resolution. General Mills is also contending with multiple consumer lawsuits that allege “misleading” messaging on their cereal packaging. These legal challenges highlight the complexities manufacturers encounter when attempting to market their products with nutrition or health claims in an intensely competitive marketplace. Consumers often have specific expectations regarding terms like “natural” and “healthy,” yet these phrases lack universally accepted definitions.
As for the ongoing legal situation with Mott’s and similar cases, the outcome remains uncertain. However, establishing a standard definition for terms like “natural” would greatly benefit companies, consumers, and critics alike. Additionally, discussions about product ingredients often include comparisons such as calcium citrate malate vs calcium citrate, further complicating the landscape of nutritional claims in the market. The need for clarity in labeling and definitions is more pressing than ever, especially as consumers navigate a myriad of health-related terms and claims.